Simple Toys For Your Child To Encourage Developmental Growth

Day2DayParenting Appropriate Toys, Child Development, Child Routines, Play Time, Resources

As a developmental therapist I am always amazed when parents tell me that they weren’t aware that their young children would enjoy such “old fashioned” toys as stacking blocks, nesting cups, ring stacks & stringing beads. Not only do toddlers enjoy these activities, but they learn a lot of important cognitive, fine motor skills and other developmental skills by playing …

How to Choose Good Toys for Your Toddler

Day2DayParenting Appropriate Toys, Child Routines, Play Time, Resources

What Are Good Toys for Toddlers? The definition of a toy is “something to play with”. Some parents feel that good toys must be store bought or require batteries, but if we broaden our horizons, anything can become a toy. Cardboard boxes, laundry baskets, pots & pans, empty containers, even flashlights, blankets & pillows can offer hours of entertainment for …

Age Appropriate Toys for Babies & Toddlers

Day2DayParenting Appropriate Toys, Child Development, Child Routines, Play Time, Resources

What most people don’t tell you when you have a baby, is that along with the baby, comes a mountain of toys. New parents frequently wonder why their baby doesn’t show much interest in the shiny new toy that Grandma brought when in all reality, its not that they’re not interested in it, it may be that your baby’s developmental …

How to Engage Your Child in Play

Day2DayParenting Child Routines, Parent Routines, Play Time

Ideas for Playing with Your Child One play idea is to set a theme for your week. For example: Vehicles. Go to the library and check out books on vehicles. Identify pictures of vehicles in magazines. Draw pictures of vehicles. Sort the play vehicles your child has at home. Go for a walk with your child and search for red …

How to Eliminate Childhood Distractions and Improve Your Child’s Focus

Day2DayParenting Child Development, Child Routines, Quiet Time, Screen Time

In today’s age of electronic everything, it’s rare to have a truly quiet moment. A child’s ‘down time’ is frequently spent with the television on or playing video games. Even many of the toys we give our youngest children involve lights and music. All of this stimulation leaves little room for self reflection, critical thinking, imagination, and problem solving. Certainly, …