Are You Listening?

Research has discovered that “Attention Deficit Disorder” (ADD) affects approximately 20% of Americans and is generally discovered in 8 – 10 year old children. College instructors report their frustration with college students who exhibit limited concentration, usually about 15 minutes due to what is being called “Commercial Gap Syndrome”, a modern term for Attention Deficit Disorder, derived from extensive TV time where commercials interupt programing every 10 - 15 minutes.

Knowing this information, one of the first things that a parent can do is to purposely spend more time "playing" and interacting with their children and less time sitting in front of a television. Researchers say that educational toys are a great tool for parents and caregivers to use during a child's daily play time rather than television. There are numerous resources that parents can use which promote educational play as well as various developmental activities.

As parents devote their time in the education and development of their children by introducing educational toys into their daily activities and play time, they and their children will reap the benefits for years to come. Parents must remember that their child's educational and developmental future lies in their hand. So why not make an investment as early as possible in your child's life helping them to unleash their potential to become as successful as they can possible be.

Times are Changing for the Good

It has been said, “Children are a heritage”. Heritage is defined as; something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor. (Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary) By definition it is easy to understand why there are so many struggling children in our educational system today. However, there is good news in all of this. There is a new generation of women who are choosing to be homemakers. Many are choosing to quit their jobs, even influential and high salary jobs, to stay at home and raised their children. Census bureau statistics show that there has been a 15 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home moms in the last 10 years.

There is also an upward trend among parents of introducing educational toys into their children daily play time that are specifically designed to foster cognitive and social skills as well as provide a foundation for sound physical and mental health. Although virtually any toy that a child engages will aid in their developmental training, educational toys by design, challenge critical thinking, expand imagination, enhance motor skills and promote learning while having fun. 

The benefits of educational play during a child’s early years can provide the stimulation and experiences that create a foundation of learning and growing. As more parents grasp the idea of educational play as well as increased personal interaction with their children, we will all enjoy the benefits. It is much wiser and cost effective to invest into a child’s life today than to address the problems that could have possibly been avoided later in life.  

Taking Care of Business

U.S. Census Bureau statistics show that the number of stay-at-home moms is increasing each year. However, stay-at-home moms aren’t the only ones concerned. According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Census Bureau, "stay-at-home" dads numbered 189,000. Although this number does not compare to the approximate 11 million "stay-at-home moms" the trend of one parent staying at home and raising their children is on the increase. Many parents like yourself are genuinely concerned and are taking control of their children’s future.

Because there is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child, parents need to know that a child’s brain development is most affected from infancy – 6 years of age. It is also the ages in which parents will learn and understand their child’s individual abilities and capacity for learning. By introducing educational toys into daily play time, not only will parents be making crucial investments of quality bonding time with their children, they will also be preparing their children for what lies ahead.

Research shows that educational toys are a great resourse for the development of a child's educational and developmental success. Advances of any society depends upon a parent's desire and ability to foster the health and well-being of their children, the next generation. In other words, parents have a responsibility to their children to prepare them for what lies ahead. So spend much time with your children, introduce educational toys during interactive play and you may have the Nobel Prize winner.