As parents, we have the opportunity to encourage our children’s joyful and enriching play through age-appropriate toys, especially during these times when many kids are spending more time at home than ever. Selecting the right toys isn’t about following the latest trends; it’s about finding what truly engages and benefits our children.
In this edition of Live.Work.Thrive, we explore the significance of play and how to maximize our children’s playtime without needing an overwhelming amount of toys. Our host, Emily Thompson, is joined by experts Sarah Lindstrom, a child development professor and play specialist whose research has received backing from major toy companies, and Mark Jennings, the Co-Founder and CEO of Playfully, known for their innovative play kits designed to foster essential skills in young children.
We’ll discuss toys that can provide you with much-deserved moments of peace, everyday activities that count as play, and options for babies and toddlers during their crucial growth phases. We’ll also dive into the benefits of blocks and how certain toys can spark creativity.
What Toys are Ideal for Our Kids? Each age group requires different considerations:
Infants:
Babies benefit from playtime with enriching toys. Wooden block puzzles offer hands-on learning experiences, although you’ll want to ensure they stay clean since babies love exploring with their mouths. The Carrot Harvest Shape Size Sorting toy entertains while teaching sorting skills, and you might be amazed at how long your baby remains engaged with it.
If gym time isn’t your favorite, consider the Play Gym by Playfully. This thoughtfully designed gym promotes essential developmental skills through activities like batting and teething. Lastly, a classic wooden block set is a timeless gift that supports spatial awareness, language, and problem-solving skills, making it a toy that grows with your child.
Toddlers:
Toddlers are full of energy and need plenty of playtime. Sorting cubes are fantastic for stimulating complex thinking. Options like the Shape Sorting Cube by Melissa & Doug or the Watermelon Threading Toy are both educational and quiet, which is a win-win for parents!
Bristle Blocks by Battat are another expert favorite, allowing for creative building without frustration. These flexible toys encourage endless possibilities, giving parents a much-needed breather.
Ages 4 and Up:
As children grow, LEGO sets become excellent tools for keeping them entertained and engaged. Rather than focusing on sets with predetermined designs, a simple box of LEGO pieces can inspire creativity and construction skills. The Melissa & Doug See and Spell game is another wonderful way to encourage learning through play without it feeling like a lesson.
Ages 8 and Up:
For kids 8 and older, classic games like Monopoly provide a fun way to develop math and negotiation skills. With various themes available, there’s something for everyone. Role-playing games such as Kids Charades also encourage creativity and social interaction.
Ages 10 and Up:
Once kids reach 10, board games become even more engaging for family bonding. LEGO sets with specific themes, like the Central Perk Cafe or the Ghostbusters car, can be great joint projects for parents and kids. Family board games like CATAN offer strategic thinking and negotiation without the need for screens.
We hope these playtime tips help enhance your home experience. Remember, it’s important to find what works best for your family and utilize items you already have. Sometimes, the box a toy comes in becomes a child’s favorite plaything—cardboard and bedsheets can create the best forts!
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Summary:
This article highlights the importance of play for children, especially during times when they are home more often. It outlines age-appropriate toys and games, emphasizing enrichment through play. From infants to older kids, the right toys can foster creativity, learning, and family bonding, all while providing parents some much-needed quiet time.