“Kids learn through play” are words we hear all the time now. Playtime used to be brushed off as kids simply entertaining themselves, but today it is widely accepted that through play the foundations of physical and cognitive development are laid. It is almost solely through play that kids learn to interact with the world […]
Time to Play: Toys Blurring the Line Between Science and Play Read More »
My son is non-verbal autistic, so we are working on letters and words many times a day in the hopes that one day it will just “click.” He’s made great strides, and we have a few toys to thank for that. Here are some favorites that have been useful in Brady’s various therapies as we
Letter Recognition Toys Read More »
We’ve all been there. (Many still are!) You’re walking the aisles of your local toy store and your little munchkin looks up at you with those big, beautiful eyes holding a new Barbie doll, or a light saber. Maybe it’s a pack of Pokémon cards. You’re on a tight budget but, come on, parents aren’t
How to Save Money on Toys Read More »
Being a mom to three boys, ages 7, 8, and 9, can be rough and exhausting at times and the best way I’ve found to give myself a break from all their stored up winter energy is to find them a way to use it all up through fun, interactive toys and games! Here’s my
5 Springtime Toys for 5-10 Year Olds Read More »
It’s not just celebrities that are on the party circuit! It seems like there’s a kids’ birthday party every weekend—and, gasp, sometimes it’s your turn to throw the shindig. When you’re the hostess with the mostest (and sometimes the leastest inspiration), the idea of adding a goodie bag (what celebrities call “swag”) to your planning
Your Lovely Parting Gift: Goodie Bag Ideas Read More »
Ever walk out the door with your toddler only to realize when it’s too late that you forgot some travel toys? You could turn back, but then you’d be late. And nothing is worse than being the last mommy to show up to karate class. So instead, try one of these easy, fun travel games
3 Easy, Fun Travel Games Read More »
At our house, we have toys coming out your ears. With three boys ranging from three to twelve years-old, We probably have about every toy they sell in the “boy aisles,” or at least that’s the way it seems at times. I recently decided that enough was enough and set up a rotation plan for
Rotating Toys = A Happy Mom Read More »
My youngest son just started preschool. He is on the autism spectrum, so he is required to go to public school to receive his therapies. Long story short: our school district is one of the poorest in the entire state of Colorado. This was a surprise to me as there are quite a few affluent
Too Many Toys? Donate to your local School. Read More »
When you were young and kid-free, you could go to eat at just about any restaurant. Fine dining? No problem! Local dive bar? Even better! Chain restaurant with a kids eat free night? Um, pass. Then you have your own kids and think, “I can still go to that swanky new restaurant! Just because other
How to Stay Sane While Out to Eat with Kids. Read More »
This year will mark my twelfth year for trick-or-treating with kids. I’m a seasoned pro. I can spot the candy my kids will toss out from a mile away. I know which neighbors give out the full sized bars and which will give us toothbrushes. The boys rely on this information when they are “in
Halloween Fun: Trick or Treat or Toys? Read More »
As a mom of three boys ages 3, 6 and 8, I can honestly say that on a daily basis I feel like I am living in the midst of a toy explosion. I can’t tell you how many times I have tripped or stepped on Legos, balls, Hot Wheels and their latest collecting obsession
Toy Storage Solutions Read More »
Lots of toys these days give some form of response that’s intended to be positive reinforcement for the play experience. For instance, the toy lights up or makes sounds when kids get the answer correct, or the toy makes an animal noise when they put the right piece in the puzzle. It’s been proven over
Parents v. Positive Reinforcement Toys Read More »
I don’t know about you guys, but I hate it when my kids are wanting to play with a certain toy and they end up dumping the entire contents of their toy box, or bins, on the floor and start looking for all the tiny pieces. Anyone with as large of a collection of Fisher
Death of the Toy Box Read More »
With both Mother’s and Father’s Day behind us, it’s nice to feel the love from our kids. Nothing shows that love more than when your kids say they want to be just like you when they grow up. Doctors, Chefs and Construction Workers had long been the main jobs toy makers focus on for pretend/role
Just Like Dad (or Mom!) – Role Play is Important Read More »
If your parents are like mine, they’ve held on to just about every toy you had as a child—whether to remember the days when you were younger, or to have so you can pass them down to their grandchildren one day. But how can you tell if that toy is safe or appropriate for your
Toys at Grandma’s House Read More »
So much is written about how kids are consuming electronic media, lulled into a stupor by electronic games and generally disengaged. That may play well in the media, but is it reality? I’m starting to think not so much. I’ve been talking to a ton of parents lately about their plans for the summer and
Make It a Classic Summer Read More »
There are many times when a toy will specifically say for ages 8 & up and a younger child will ask for it. I’m guilty of letting my kids play with things geared for older kids, I also let them play with things that they are considered too old for. I feel the ages are
Age Recommendations on Toys, Do you pay attention? Read More »
(or, You will NOT put that LEGO in your mouth, young man!) In a house with 3 boys with large gaps in ages, it’s hard to make sure the LEGO’s for the 11-year-old stay out of the hands (and mouth!) of the 2-year-old. The 6-year-old might have some Squinkies lying around that the toddler wants
Ways to Keep Tiny Toys Out of the Hands of Little Ones Read More »
Every parent knows the tremendous value of a good toy, but often overlooked are the educational toys benefits. “Play is an essential component of healthy child development,” says Cindy Haines, MD, Chief Medical Officer of HealthDay News. “Play not only contributes to a child’s cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being, it also offers numerous opportunities for
Educating Through Play Read More »
There is good news for the toy shoppers of today. Braving crowded store aisles is a thing of the past now that it’s possible to do all shopping online.
Shop Online To Make Real Savings Read More »
In my earlier post, I mentioned my youngest son struggles with Dyspraxia. He is delayed about a year across the board. He is 2 and a half now and just recently started walking. Some things that helped him were toys! We had used all of the standard walkers, the grocery carts and other toys designed to help kids walk but I found a few of Chewy’s older brother’s toys that ended up helping him the most.
Toys that Help Children Learn to Walk Read More »
I never thought I’d be the one to jolt parents into a shopping frenzy…but after a few years of last-minute shopping blitz experience under my belt, I’ve decided to act on my biggest New Years resolution for 2010. It’s that I won’t put myself through procrastination-induced holiday madness this year…and there’s plenty of room for you on my bandwagon. And so with that, I offer a few tips below to help bring some organization to your festive chaos.
Holiday Toy Shopping Tips Read More »
Now that the Back to School chaos is over and we are finally settling into a routine, the next big challenge on the horizon: the return of birthday party season.
TTPM.com: Birthday Party Season Has Begun Read More »
Chris visited The 10! Show in Philadelphia to show off some of the hot summer toys!
The Toy Guy Brings Summer Fun to Philadelphia Read More »
