March 20, 2020 Heather Jones

At Home Time = Extra Family Time!

Our lives have recently come to a slow crawl as far as activities outside of the home are concerned due to recent health restrictions! But, what a better opportunity to simplify and to enjoy the wonder and beauty of spending time together as a family? This time spent playing, reading great stories, doing puzzles, watching movies, building forts, baking, and taking walks will create lifelong memories that will be cherished by your children (and you!)

In fact, studies more than support the idea that the children who have a strong connection to family are confident, happy, better able to handle conflict, and well equipped to manage behavior and emotions.

It should be noted that this does not mean children need our attention every waking moment of the day. Quality not necessarily quantity is key. In fact, independent creative play is just as important for children! Imaginative play increases creativity, intelligence, problem solving skills, and independence. What is not important for young children, however, are screens.

A recent article explains, "the brains of little kids can be permanently altered when they spend too much time using tablets and smartphones. Specifically, the development of certain abilities is impeded, including focus and attention, vocabulary, and social skills. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says children younger than 18 months should have no screen time at all, other than video-chatting. For kids ages two to five, it recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day."

So, what to do instead? Here are a few ideas and a few of our favorite toys! We are here to help during this time. We are offering free shipping and door-step delivery in south Davis County on orders over $50. While our store is currently closed, we have staff who will be at our store during limited hours. Give us a call! We would love to hear from you!

1. Set a simple schedule

Spending extra time together at home can be a little disorienting without the structure of a regular routine centered on outings, school, or work. Creating a simple rhythm for each day can be the key to keeping things running smoothly. Kids function best when they know what to expect. (So do adults!)

2. Plant a garden

Spending time outdoors is healing to both children and adults. The wonder of watching something grow and to then produce vegetables, fruit, or flowers is the perfect activity for a child's wondering mind. Creating fertile ground, providing water, and protecting the plant from pests will help a child learn responsibility and to exhibit care for a living thing.

3. Serve

Serving others is a perfect way to combat feelings of helplessness, sadness, or frustration. Looking outside of your current situation is always a good way to welcome positive energy in to your home. Help your children create handmade cards, make a phone call to a family member, pull in the garbage dumpsters for an elderly neighbor, leave a potted flower for a friend, or create a sidewalk chalk mural for the neighborhood to enjoy. Brainstorm ideas with your kids! You will find simple ways to serve perfectly suited to your family.

Be sure to check out some of our favorite new arrivals in our toy department! As a young mother someone once gave me great advice for purchasing toys. My elderly neighbor wisely noted that it's important to ask this important question: "Consider what the child will do when playing with the toy, not what the toy will do for the child." Meaning, simple, imaginative, creative toys are best! Those are the ones full of hours of playtime! All of these items are in stock, ready for delivery, and full of hours of playtime!

Melissa and Doug Jumbo Roadway Rug - Due to size and weight, no shipping available, but we are happy to deliver!

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