Newtown Tragedy

The Newtown tragedy has parents wondering how to explain what happened. What do children need to know and can we share too much information? I had the opportunity to discuss those concerns on Great Day St. Louis.

Toys to Enchance Creativity and Imagination

A father shared with me that his young daughter brought him a toy saying it wasn't working and requested he put new batteries in it. Upon realizing the toy was not battery powered he took a closer look at the toys his children play with. He realized he wasn’t fully aware of how many of the toys his children own that require batteries.

We can’t ignore technology. It’s a part of our lives and our children’s lives and it’s not going away. I encourage parents to balance out the number of electronic toys they give their children with open-ended toys that encourage creativity and imagination and don’t require a scripted way to use them.
 
If you're purchasing toys for children this holiday season I'd like you to consider the following: Blocks, Lego's, Tinker Toys, and Lincoln Logs. Traditional board games such as Checkers, Chess, Candy Land, Connect Four, Trouble, and Jenga. Don't overlook puppets, art supplies, puzzles and play dough. Think back to the toys of your childhood. Which ones bring back memories? Chances are your child would probably enjoy those same toys.

 

Once your child has opened their gift, get down on the floor and play with them. You'll be creating new holiday memories for both you and your child.