If you'd like to have more time to spend enjoying playing with your toddler, give your toddler a developmental advantage and develop strong emotional ties between you and your toddler through play, then this might be the most important post you'll ever read.
Here's why:
These toddler activities have been proven over and over again to not only entertain your toddler, but to encourage their development. Plus, there are TONS of articles, websites and other resources to help make play fun for your toddler and you.
Play has an undeniable influence on every aspect of a child's development.
Physical (gross-motor) skills develop as a child at play learns to reach, crawl, walk, run, climb, jump, throw, catch and balance. Fine-motor skills (the use of hands and fingers) advance as he or she handles playthings.
Mental skills are sharpened through play that encourages problem solving and demonstrates cause and effect. Children learn about shapes, colors, sizes and other concepts through play. Language blossoms as a child interacts with others and uses words for favorite playthings and activities.
Learning to follow directions, cooperate, take turns, abide by the rules and share are important social skills mastered through play.
Play also builds emotional skills, as children experience pleasure, bond with others, and work through feelings during role-play. Self-esteem, so crucial to one's long-term happiness and success, also is enhanced when children achieve goals through play.
Play stimulates creativity and imagination, as well, and allows children to expand the horizons of their world. When a child pretends to be a doctor, a teacher, a parent, or a firefighter, he or she learns that life is full of possibilities and opportunities.
Perhaps most important of all, play is fun. Years later, when we recall our childhood, it is the happy times spent playing with special people that we remember most fondly.
Many Working Parents Don't Have the Time or Energy to Consistantly Create New Play Activities That Will Allow Them the Quality Time Their Toddler Needs
In fact, more than ever, the television is being used as a babysitter.
You not only want to spend this time playing with your toddler, you need this time as well.
But what do you do? What activities can you do with your toddler? Where can you find some ideas?
In the next few minutes, you can have at your fingertips, 104 toddler activities that you can play with your toddler in a moment's notice and are guaranteed to be a hit with your toddler and you.
Play is not only an important part of a toddler's development, but it is also a very effective way for parents to spend quality time with their little one to create loving and lasting memories.
Click on the words "Click Here" below to find out how to start playing these activities with your toddler
Click Here!
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Toy Recall Site
I found a really good toy recall site it is a part of the child product safety site. What I really like about this site is that it is easy to navigate. The toy recalls are located by clicking on the corresponding toy category. The site is very pleasing to the eye. Every parent should be diligent in checking for toy recalls. Sites like this one make it easy to keep current on toy recalls.
Toy Recall Site
Toy Recall Site
Educational Toys
I own a store that has toys, stuffed animals, fashion dolls and more: Joyfulwraps. You will find educational and kid-powered toys at very reasonable prices. I offer 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed. I feel that as mom of 3 girls ages 11 - 26, that I have some experience with how important playing is to kids. Playing is their "work". It's how they explore their world. Playing expands a child's imagination and can even get them to ask questions about how things work. Joyfulwraps Online Store is easy to navigate. If there is something you need or want but can not find it, please contact me here or by email and I will assist you to locate your item. To start shopping click the "Click Here To Shop" link below
Click Here To Shop
Click Here To Shop
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Educational Toys
We have been homschooling for 13 years now and I strongly believe in the value of educational toys. There are many reasons why educational toys are a wonderful investment in your child's future. I found this article and wanted to post it here because the author Adwinda Jackson has done a great job of listing all the important information in catagories.
The Most Appropriate Educational Toys For Your Children by: Adwina Jackson
Children learn about the world through toys. Different toys fulfill different developmental and educational purposes, and understanding this variety and the needs of your child will help you in selecting the most appropriate toys for your child.
Here are some significant needs of children that can be fulfilled by the right kind of toys:
• Creative development: Lewis Carroll’s Alice captured the essence of childhood with her eager phrase: “Let’s pretend...” Watch how many things your child can do with an empty cardboard box. Other examples: Clay, paint, dolls, crayons, play dough.
• Intellectual development: Just pulling a simple wagon, your child is learning about the relationship between force and velocity. Other examples are books, miniature ovens, bicycles and science kits.
• Physical development: Through toys and games, children develop their strength, motor skills, hand-eye coordination and muscle control. Toys for this are balls, bikes, blocks, shovels, and all outdoor games.
• Sensory development: Children learn about textures, smells, colors and sounds through toys. The toys for this are musical instruments, clay, blocks, puzzles.
• Social development: Through toys, children learn about each other and about friendship. They learn how to get along with others, and the mechanics of personal relationships. What happens when your child builds a sandcastle together with a friend? What happens when your child refuses to share a toy? Board games, dolls and puzzles are some toys that can help your child’s social development.
• Personality development: Games and toys build confidence and self-esteem in children, and help them learn about themselves through their likes and dislikes. Solving a puzzle, building a house with blocks, riding a bike -- all these exercises help your child feel a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
The best toys for your child are the ones that provide an enriching learning experience in a fun way and are helpful in the development of basic skills of your child. It is important that you think deeply before buying a toy for your child and evaluate what learning experience your child will have while playing with that toy.
Using Toys
With time, your child will learn how to take responsibility for her choices, actions, and belongings. The following are some guidelines with which you can help your child become responsible without compromising on her safety:
• Talk to your child about proper care and storage of toys. Fix a place of storage and do not allow toys to be left on the floor or outside the house.
• If there is more than one child, separate their toys to make sure that the younger ones may not play with toys appropriate for older children. Explain this, and related safety hazards, to the older children.
• Participate in your child’s play and set good examples of safe play. After playtime, show them how to put the toys away safely, and slowly allow your child to take responsibility for the toys.
• Teach your child to recognize unsafe toys and safety hazards. Check their toys (especially electric ones) regularly for damage, and urge them to let you know if a toy breaks or seems unsafe.
Appropriate and Allowable Toys for Children
In this chapter, we will discuss the skills and needs of children at different ages, and accordingly choose safe and appropriate toys for each age group.
• 3 to 4 years
During this time, children use their imagination to imitate adult activity, and participate actively in physical games. Their knowledge of safety hazards and self-defense also increases.
Appropriate toys: Puppets, farm and community play sets like tea sets, climbing structures, miniature ovens, toy telephones, simple board games, tricycles, boxes, dolls and stuffed animals, water play toys, puzzles, balls, simple musical instruments etc.
• 4 to 6 years
At this age, children learn about social skills and cooperation by participating in preschool group games. Their physical coordination develops, and the foundation of printing and writing is also laid at this time.
Appropriate toys: Transportation vehicles of all types like bicycles with helmets and training wheels toys, drop boxes, sleds, creative materials, painting material, books and records, stencils, puzzles, balls, action figures, dress-up clothes, housekeeping props, dollhouses, character toys, simple construction toys etc.
• 6 to 9 years
Children learn about getting along with others, and about the adult world of sports, games, and careers. At this stage, children develop their intellectual and social interests and make strong friendships, likes and dislikes.
Appropriate toys: Board games, marbles, jacks, puppets, doll equipment and accessories, craft kits, construction toys, complex puzzles, jump ropes, art material of all kinds, roller and ice skates etc.
• 9 to 12 years
Preteens become active in team play and learn how to handle detailed projects in arts and science. They learn to prioritize their interests and give more time to select hobbies. They also begin to operate video games and computers.
Appropriate toys: Skates, skateboards, science kits, craft kids, tested and approved electric toys, electric trains (UL approved), construction sets, science kits, craft kits, costumes, larger bicycles prop boxes, puppets, fashion and career dolls, doll house and furniture, musical instruments, books of specific interest, work bench with real tools etc.
It is important to remember that children are different and have individual characteristics and interests. Only you can know your child’s specific interests and abilities at the different stages of their development, by supervising and participating in their play.
About The Author
Adwina Jackson has a deep concern on parenting. Get her inspirational guides about Educational Toys at http://insparenting.com/guides/educational-toys/.
Also, grasp her other motivational parenting tips at http://insparenting.com/, a worth-to-visit daily updated blog.
The Most Appropriate Educational Toys For Your Children by: Adwina Jackson
Children learn about the world through toys. Different toys fulfill different developmental and educational purposes, and understanding this variety and the needs of your child will help you in selecting the most appropriate toys for your child.
Here are some significant needs of children that can be fulfilled by the right kind of toys:
• Creative development: Lewis Carroll’s Alice captured the essence of childhood with her eager phrase: “Let’s pretend...” Watch how many things your child can do with an empty cardboard box. Other examples: Clay, paint, dolls, crayons, play dough.
• Intellectual development: Just pulling a simple wagon, your child is learning about the relationship between force and velocity. Other examples are books, miniature ovens, bicycles and science kits.
• Physical development: Through toys and games, children develop their strength, motor skills, hand-eye coordination and muscle control. Toys for this are balls, bikes, blocks, shovels, and all outdoor games.
• Sensory development: Children learn about textures, smells, colors and sounds through toys. The toys for this are musical instruments, clay, blocks, puzzles.
• Social development: Through toys, children learn about each other and about friendship. They learn how to get along with others, and the mechanics of personal relationships. What happens when your child builds a sandcastle together with a friend? What happens when your child refuses to share a toy? Board games, dolls and puzzles are some toys that can help your child’s social development.
• Personality development: Games and toys build confidence and self-esteem in children, and help them learn about themselves through their likes and dislikes. Solving a puzzle, building a house with blocks, riding a bike -- all these exercises help your child feel a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
The best toys for your child are the ones that provide an enriching learning experience in a fun way and are helpful in the development of basic skills of your child. It is important that you think deeply before buying a toy for your child and evaluate what learning experience your child will have while playing with that toy.
Using Toys
With time, your child will learn how to take responsibility for her choices, actions, and belongings. The following are some guidelines with which you can help your child become responsible without compromising on her safety:
• Talk to your child about proper care and storage of toys. Fix a place of storage and do not allow toys to be left on the floor or outside the house.
• If there is more than one child, separate their toys to make sure that the younger ones may not play with toys appropriate for older children. Explain this, and related safety hazards, to the older children.
• Participate in your child’s play and set good examples of safe play. After playtime, show them how to put the toys away safely, and slowly allow your child to take responsibility for the toys.
• Teach your child to recognize unsafe toys and safety hazards. Check their toys (especially electric ones) regularly for damage, and urge them to let you know if a toy breaks or seems unsafe.
Appropriate and Allowable Toys for Children
In this chapter, we will discuss the skills and needs of children at different ages, and accordingly choose safe and appropriate toys for each age group.
• 3 to 4 years
During this time, children use their imagination to imitate adult activity, and participate actively in physical games. Their knowledge of safety hazards and self-defense also increases.
Appropriate toys: Puppets, farm and community play sets like tea sets, climbing structures, miniature ovens, toy telephones, simple board games, tricycles, boxes, dolls and stuffed animals, water play toys, puzzles, balls, simple musical instruments etc.
• 4 to 6 years
At this age, children learn about social skills and cooperation by participating in preschool group games. Their physical coordination develops, and the foundation of printing and writing is also laid at this time.
Appropriate toys: Transportation vehicles of all types like bicycles with helmets and training wheels toys, drop boxes, sleds, creative materials, painting material, books and records, stencils, puzzles, balls, action figures, dress-up clothes, housekeeping props, dollhouses, character toys, simple construction toys etc.
• 6 to 9 years
Children learn about getting along with others, and about the adult world of sports, games, and careers. At this stage, children develop their intellectual and social interests and make strong friendships, likes and dislikes.
Appropriate toys: Board games, marbles, jacks, puppets, doll equipment and accessories, craft kits, construction toys, complex puzzles, jump ropes, art material of all kinds, roller and ice skates etc.
• 9 to 12 years
Preteens become active in team play and learn how to handle detailed projects in arts and science. They learn to prioritize their interests and give more time to select hobbies. They also begin to operate video games and computers.
Appropriate toys: Skates, skateboards, science kits, craft kids, tested and approved electric toys, electric trains (UL approved), construction sets, science kits, craft kits, costumes, larger bicycles prop boxes, puppets, fashion and career dolls, doll house and furniture, musical instruments, books of specific interest, work bench with real tools etc.
It is important to remember that children are different and have individual characteristics and interests. Only you can know your child’s specific interests and abilities at the different stages of their development, by supervising and participating in their play.
About The Author
Adwina Jackson has a deep concern on parenting. Get her inspirational guides about Educational Toys at http://insparenting.com/guides/educational-toys/.
Also, grasp her other motivational parenting tips at http://insparenting.com/, a worth-to-visit daily updated blog.
Choosing Safe Toys For Toddlers
I found this wonderful article that explains why we should be careful about choosing toddler toys and how to pick the safest ones. I would like to share the article with you.
Choosing Safe Toys For Your Toddlers by: Abby Johnson
Soon it is going to be time for the Holidays and the buying of presents and gifts do you have a toddler you are going to be buying for? There are so many toys and games to choose from when out shopping, but if your Holiday gift list has a toddler on it make sure that you are buying a gift that is age appropriate.
One of a toddlers or infants first reaction when getting their little hands on something is to usually put it in their mouth. Please pay particular care to toys that may cause a choking hazard. This would include small toys and toys that have small removable parts. Not to mention the fact that a toddler can’t really comprehend a toy that is designed for older children, they tend to get frustrated. Toddlers and infants do not have the same skills and abilities as opposed to a child of the age five.
Toddlers and infants love stuffed animals and plush toys, but be aware of small and removable items from these toys as well. Pay close attention to the construction of the toy, maybe it isn’t so hard to get those eyes or that nose off? Remember it is more than likely these parts will end up in the child’s mouth. Also, with any toy make sure that the edges are not sharp.
Electronic toys usually seem like fun but they are not suitable for small children. Children under the age of eight do not know how to properly take care of or handle an electronic toy that may have a heating element in them. Even if your tempted by a good deal, just pass it up they are unsafe for toddlers.
Most toys these days are labeled for age appropriateness, by stating not suitable for children under a certain age, they should warn against choking hazards and other concerns too. These are important guidelines to stick to even if you feel something else looks fun and your child would love it. It’s not a bad idea to read the instructions because if it is too hard to understand then certainly your toddler wouldn’t understand either.
You know that plastic wrap that many toys come in? Be very careful of disposing of that, when it’s removed from the toy it is best to dispose of it right away as it can be a suffocation threat or hazard. Also with the packaging of toys be mindful of those ties that hold the toy in place when they are displayed at the store, the twisty ones that hold the toy in place, make sure you discard these quickly as well.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission can tell you if a toy has been recalled for some reason. Even the major toy companies such as Fisher Price and Disney can make mistakes and market a toy that ends up being a hazard to young children. You can also check on toys that you may already have at home for an older child The U.S. Product Safety Committee has a website with all this information to the public at http://www.cpsc.com.
If you don’t have access to a computer their phone number is (800) 638-2772. If you find a toy on the recall list in your home they will tell you what to do with the toy.
In closing, pay attention to the labeling and warnings on the toys you are thinking of purchasing and also refer to the recall list and give your tot a happy, safe Holiday.
About The Author
Abby Johnson is a staff writer at http://www.kids-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.lifestylegazette.com.
Choosing Safe Toys For Your Toddlers by: Abby Johnson
Soon it is going to be time for the Holidays and the buying of presents and gifts do you have a toddler you are going to be buying for? There are so many toys and games to choose from when out shopping, but if your Holiday gift list has a toddler on it make sure that you are buying a gift that is age appropriate.
One of a toddlers or infants first reaction when getting their little hands on something is to usually put it in their mouth. Please pay particular care to toys that may cause a choking hazard. This would include small toys and toys that have small removable parts. Not to mention the fact that a toddler can’t really comprehend a toy that is designed for older children, they tend to get frustrated. Toddlers and infants do not have the same skills and abilities as opposed to a child of the age five.
Toddlers and infants love stuffed animals and plush toys, but be aware of small and removable items from these toys as well. Pay close attention to the construction of the toy, maybe it isn’t so hard to get those eyes or that nose off? Remember it is more than likely these parts will end up in the child’s mouth. Also, with any toy make sure that the edges are not sharp.
Electronic toys usually seem like fun but they are not suitable for small children. Children under the age of eight do not know how to properly take care of or handle an electronic toy that may have a heating element in them. Even if your tempted by a good deal, just pass it up they are unsafe for toddlers.
Most toys these days are labeled for age appropriateness, by stating not suitable for children under a certain age, they should warn against choking hazards and other concerns too. These are important guidelines to stick to even if you feel something else looks fun and your child would love it. It’s not a bad idea to read the instructions because if it is too hard to understand then certainly your toddler wouldn’t understand either.
You know that plastic wrap that many toys come in? Be very careful of disposing of that, when it’s removed from the toy it is best to dispose of it right away as it can be a suffocation threat or hazard. Also with the packaging of toys be mindful of those ties that hold the toy in place when they are displayed at the store, the twisty ones that hold the toy in place, make sure you discard these quickly as well.
The U.S. Product Safety Commission can tell you if a toy has been recalled for some reason. Even the major toy companies such as Fisher Price and Disney can make mistakes and market a toy that ends up being a hazard to young children. You can also check on toys that you may already have at home for an older child The U.S. Product Safety Committee has a website with all this information to the public at http://www.cpsc.com.
If you don’t have access to a computer their phone number is (800) 638-2772. If you find a toy on the recall list in your home they will tell you what to do with the toy.
In closing, pay attention to the labeling and warnings on the toys you are thinking of purchasing and also refer to the recall list and give your tot a happy, safe Holiday.
About The Author
Abby Johnson is a staff writer at http://www.kids-digest.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.lifestylegazette.com.
What Were A Few Of The Hottest Toys This Christmas?
If you are a parent of a young child, you were most likely bombarded by their Christmas Toy list long before December, I know I was! Kids know what they want. Some of the popular requests were: PlayStation 3, Elmo TMX, most anything that is Dora Explorer, and Pink Nitro Notebook by Vtech.
PlayStation 3 is for gamers who love excitement. The blu-ray technology is a new feature that attracted a lot of attention this recent holiday season. It does have a big price tag. If you are still looking to purchase PlayStation 3 as a gift in the New Year; on December 27th. I found both the 60 GB and 20 GB PlayStation 3 console in stock online for between $650 and $800
Elmo TMX follow in the Tickle Me Elmo tradition by being one of the most lovable red monsters to make the list for a lot of kids in 2006.
The Fisher Price site online shows Elmo TMX being available again on 2-15-2006. Toys-R-Us was also out of stock. I did find 2 pages of Elmo TMX on Amazon.com selling for anywhere from $79 to $300
Dora Explorer comes in all different categories of toys from books, to dolls and dollhouses, cash registers, and talking houses! I found plenty of these items in stock for very reasonable prices.
The Pink Nitro Notebook available only at Toys R Us was out of stock when I checked right after Christmas. I did find several Pink Nitro Notebooks on Ebay for $64.99 with $9.95 shipping.
These hot Christmas toys were popular because they inspired the imaginations, encouraged activity and two of them were fun characters, that kids can relate to. I hope you were able to find the toys your kids were looking for this holiday season.
About The Author
Laura Quintile is the owner of http://Joyfulwraps.com
A freelance writer, she loves to write about her passions
which include: homeschooling, parenting and pets.
PlayStation 3 is for gamers who love excitement. The blu-ray technology is a new feature that attracted a lot of attention this recent holiday season. It does have a big price tag. If you are still looking to purchase PlayStation 3 as a gift in the New Year; on December 27th. I found both the 60 GB and 20 GB PlayStation 3 console in stock online for between $650 and $800
Elmo TMX follow in the Tickle Me Elmo tradition by being one of the most lovable red monsters to make the list for a lot of kids in 2006.
The Fisher Price site online shows Elmo TMX being available again on 2-15-2006. Toys-R-Us was also out of stock. I did find 2 pages of Elmo TMX on Amazon.com selling for anywhere from $79 to $300
Dora Explorer comes in all different categories of toys from books, to dolls and dollhouses, cash registers, and talking houses! I found plenty of these items in stock for very reasonable prices.
The Pink Nitro Notebook available only at Toys R Us was out of stock when I checked right after Christmas. I did find several Pink Nitro Notebooks on Ebay for $64.99 with $9.95 shipping.
These hot Christmas toys were popular because they inspired the imaginations, encouraged activity and two of them were fun characters, that kids can relate to. I hope you were able to find the toys your kids were looking for this holiday season.
About The Author
Laura Quintile is the owner of http://Joyfulwraps.com
A freelance writer, she loves to write about her passions
which include: homeschooling, parenting and pets.
Purpose of Blog
The purpose of this blog is to provide a place to find reliable information about toys for kids. Information about recalls, sales, new toy debuts and articles about toys.
As a mom with 3 daughters I have seen a lot of toys throughout the years. Baby toys, toddler toys, preschool toys, and now toys for school aged kids. The toys my girls have loved and used the most have been those that required brain power or creative inspiration from them.
I intend to fill this blog with information to help those choosing gifts for kids, find what they are looking for through links, informative articles and sage advice.
As a mom with 3 daughters I have seen a lot of toys throughout the years. Baby toys, toddler toys, preschool toys, and now toys for school aged kids. The toys my girls have loved and used the most have been those that required brain power or creative inspiration from them.
I intend to fill this blog with information to help those choosing gifts for kids, find what they are looking for through links, informative articles and sage advice.
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