A curious mind should never stop questioning, and curious eyes should never stop exploring.Chetan Mane If the above quote was told to a toddler, he would certainly bring the house down! And rightly so, because children can never stop exploring. To channelize their energy and curiosity, we must provide them with the right tools. It is amazing to see how quickly children … [Read more...]
Learning journeys designed as play
The use of learning toys can help children in development and growth faster than academics and studies. We would be surprised how play therapy is used to teach several concepts of math, science, language and art. There is no doubt that we need to pay close attention while selecting a toy for our child. Unfortunately we live in an era with literally no time on hand. … [Read more...]
Why it’s Time to Dump Battery Operated Toys
Picture this: Your child receives the most splendid battery operated car as a gift. It's the fanciest toy on the block and he is hooked ON! You unwrap it, set it up, the kid is going crazy playing with it, and you bought yourself some time off. Now Picture this: Your child has been flipping and maneuvering it like a Formula One Racing driver, when the battery runs out. … [Read more...]
Blocks are Not Just for Stacking! How to Start, Build and develop Block Play for children across ages.
Last week a friend of mine told me her 5 year old son doesn't like the toys we have at home because he finds them "too childish". 6 months back I wouldn't have batted an eyelid, but NOW after having vested so much in toys, damn I needed to explore this! Also because both our boys are of the same age. I immediately back tracked and recalled my son parading his latest … [Read more...]
Sensory Board-A Must Have for Infants and Toddlers
Call it a sensory board or activity board or engaging board or a busy board, this piece is a must have for children between 6 months to 3 years! What is it? The child experiences several hands-on activities by touching, feeling, hearing and experiencing different objects, all at one place. Creating a sensory environment is vital to a child's development. They … [Read more...]
Why Toys Are Important
Toys are children's Words, and Play is their Language. Toys are important. Playing for children is not a break from learning, rather play IS the real learning. As a new mother, I rarely invested in my children's toys. I felt hat they can always play with regular things at home, so why bother in spending and storing so many things. Unfortunately we live in a world where … [Read more...]
Harmful Chemicals Present in Soft Toys Could Decrease Your Child’s IQ
You read that right. That cute little cuddly bear which your child loves playing with, could be loaded with harmful chemicals which might be exposing your child to severe health hazards. Until recently, I never paid attention to the big Lion soft toy that my son would incessantly hug and sleep with every night. Off late, I seem to have caught a bug - to research about what … [Read more...]
How To Get Children To Play Independently While You Sip On Your Hot Coffee
One of the reasons why children get “bored” or “done” with toys is because they have always visualized or been told that a particular toy can only be played within a particular way. Open-ended toys do not mean one needs to invest in new toys all the time, but making the best use of resources and toys at home. Believe it or not, I AM STINGY when it comes to purchasing new … [Read more...]
DOCTOR TOY SETS: The Best Non-Toxic Alternatives by Indian Brands
One of the must-have toy sets in every household with children, a doctor set cannot simply be escaped! Ideal for starting at 2.5 years for pretend play and educating children about medical aid. That is the approximate age when they begin understanding medical care, which in turn helps in reducing those dreadful vaccination visits! Unless your children are at some absurd level … [Read more...]
All you need to know about Waldorf toys
As soon as I discovered how unsafe and unhealthy most of the toys we own or buy for our children are, I immediately plunged into looking for alternative options. I was amazed at how differently I had looked at my children’s playtime. So as a parent, my go-to mantra is: less is more. I like to keep them preoccupied with basic simple things (that I grew up with) and not overload … [Read more...]