Toy Tips works for the consumer! On this site, you'll
find researched product reviews, articles and tips to
stimulate the intellectual, social, physical and individual
personality development of the child.
We have tons of toys in our house. How can I organize them so my kids get the most play value from them?
Erin, Pittsburgh, Mom of Katie (9), Lizzie (8) Mary (6) Ben and Jacob (4)
The best way to get the most play value is to organize them so that they ARE played with. For example, board games are fun but you really need to have them in sight as a reminder to play oftern. Stack boxes by age groups on a shelf in a room that will encourage social play. Consider the kitchen and family room. Keep them in the box and neatly tape all 4 corners on both the top and bottom of the box. This will help to reinforce the box after multiple uses.
This pedal-powered ride-on vehicle is a construction
tractor with a front loader that carries out the same
duties as the "grown up" ones. By operating
the pedals and judging distances, children can maneuver
the loader to have it scoop, carry and dump as often
as they wish. The pedal action is ensured by a heavy-duty
bicycle chain. This tractor also features a built-in
dashboard with gauges, which can be seen by the child
while operating the pedals. This outdoor toy improves
hand-eye coordination and encourages physical activity.
It develops concentration, logical thinking and offers
a mental challenge while judging distances. When it
is operated with skills and success, this vehicle provides
a sense of pride and accomplishment. It encourages the
imitation of real life (construction work), as well
as self-expression and interactive play. This toy should
NOT be played with on the street, near driveways or
traffic. Parental supervision is recommended.
I enjoy hearing from
our readers. If you
ever have a comment,
question or concern,
please email me at
marianne@toytips.com
Thanks for caring
about our children.
Marianne
Toy Tips to Parents: Time to Unplug
Don't over stuff the toy box with tech toys. When is technology too much technology?
While tech toys are popular and some can be educational, the latest round of newcomers at Toy Fair makes it clear we're going too far into technology assisted play. It seems technology now permeates almost every kind of toy category on the toy shelves. Parents run the risk of stocking the playroom with items that undermine the important developmental aspects of childhood play.
