We all want our children to succeed: in school, in their extracurriculars and in their future. That’s why we take them from soccer practice to Mathletes, from Scouts to ballet, hoping that they will learn new skills and excel. We encourage them academically, supporting them with homework and class projects. But we also want our…
On a recent trip to Mexico I encountered one of my favorite souvenirs, the worry doll. Worry dolls, or trouble dolls, are tiny, only about one inch tall and an eighth of an inch wide. They are handmade in Mexico and Guatemala, with tiny clothes and painted on faces. The legend says to tell the…
A kids teepee is the perfect place for your child to engage in imaginative play. Kids love turning a teepee into their own private imaginary world. A kid’s teepee is also a great place to curl up and read, or nap when your child needs a quiet place to rest. My four-year-old daughter is always…
Toy trucks are a staple for children of all ages and boys and girls love to play with miniature trucks, in the playroom, in the backyard and even in the tub. Toy vehicles are great for imaginative play. Kids can play at being a trucker, a construction worker, firefighter or a farmer. They can use…
Impact Brain Development Parents, teachers and caregivers can impact brain development among typical and atypical children by providing rich sensory experiences. Research tells us that multi-sensory environments impact brain development. The study of the brain and how it works is amazing. At birth, the brain is still a work in progress. Sensory Experiences Sensory experiences…
From the time they are born children use sensory play to learn about the world around them. From the beginning of their lives, children want to see, hear, touch, smell and taste everything they encounter. The search for sensory input is the reason you spend so much of a child’s first year pulling things out…
The term “discovery toys” encompasses a large range of toys that have a few things in common. They can be simple or elaborate, but they all encourage children to discover certain skills through hands-on tactile play. The skills range from the most basic motor skills like grasping and holding to more advanced skills like math…
Get little ones moving with a classic toy that everyone loves – a fun trike! Whether your little one is just ready to start scooting around the house or is looking for big adventures out and about the neighborhood, there is a trike to fit. There are a few things to consider when choosing the…
Every kid wants to be a freewheeler–but learning to ride a bike is tough! You can’t just climb onto a pedal bike and go. Before making the step up, some tykes use trikes or training wheels. But these days, many parents and experts suggest a more balanced approach. Enter the balance bike. It’s the perfect…
Crayons have been well-loved by children all over the world for decades. They are a universal tool for anyone and everyone who enjoys a little art therapy. Crayons are found in every classroom and almost every household with children. Because of their long time popularity, there are many more options on the market today, in addition to the…
I’m a big fan of the humble light night. A few nights ago my husband was making his way from the bedroom to the bathroom and somewhere along the way he stubbed his toe in the dark. I, of course, giggled at his little mishap. Then a night or two later I did the exact…
Written by Alexandra Newmarch, Provisional Psychologist & Chiu Lau, Principal Psychologist Toilet training is rarely smooth sailing, but adding a child on the Autism spectrum can add that extra bit of complexity that makes the situation feel overwhelming. However, the good news is, the basic principles and readiness signs are the same for all kids,…
The other day I found a ‘vintage’ BRIO railway set, which I brought home for my little boy. He, like every other kid that’s ever owned a BRIO train set, was instantly besotted. Founded in Sweden in 1884, BRIO is probably most famous for their wooden railway sets. They now have a huge range of toys for…
I love playing dress up. My daughter, Emma, was five months old when she experienced her first Halloween. She was round and plump and made the perfect little pumpkin. Our neighborhood held a contest for the best dress up costume and guess who came first in the category 0-12 months? My Emma! Since then I’ve loved…
Dora the Explorer is a favorite character of children and parents for a number of reasons. Because of Dora’s infectious and upbeat positivity, Dora games and toys inspire a sense of adventure, confidence, and imagination. Relationships with friends and family are important to Dora. She instills a respect and curiosity for other cultures and even…
Even with all of the toy space ships, drones, and futuristic tech toys, there’s just something about trains that continues to capture the imaginations of young and old alike. Thomas The Train and his friends on the Island of Sodor are favorites for many little engineers, especially toddlers. Whether your family is new to Thomas…
The festive season is around the corner and moms, dads, aunts and uncles, not to mention grandparents, will be looking at magazines and websites to find the top toys for tots and preschoolers. While tweens and teens will be writing, emailing and ‘yik yakkking‘ their own gift requests to poor old Santa. When I look…
It’s the smell and feel of childhood. Open up one of those yellow cylinders, and inside a world of fun and imagination awaits. Play Doh is simple. It’s a colorful modeling clay made of flour, water, salt, boric acid, and mineral oil and has been a fun and engaging activity toy for generations. It’s non-toxic (good thing…
Summer time is here, and that means lots of outdoor activities and fun. A unique outdoor playhouse is a wonderful way to encourage children to use their imaginations while engaging in active, creative play. There are plenty of outdoor playhouse options on the market, but not all are created equal. There are a few things to…
The good news is you’ve just found out you’re pregnant. The bad news is you’re already a mom to a three-year-old, which means your good single stroller isn’t going to cut it anymore. It’s time to add the best double stroller to your list of parenting gear. Finding a good double stroller that’s right for…
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