The Cortisol Connection

Cortisol is a hormone that is part of the adrenal gland usually referred to as the "Stress Hormone" and is involved with physical or emotional stress or trauma. When cortisol levels are high, brain cells can die which reduces the connections between the cells in certain areas of the brain. This can make it difficult for children to learn and think especially during stressful situations which can also have a negative affect in later years.

Research reveals that critical brain development occurs in children between infancy and 6 years of age. It is very important that parents utilize this time frame to develop healthy, positive relationships with their children. Consistent positive interaction between parent and child can help keep cortisol levels low which will provide their children with the tools to develop healthy relationships throughout their lives.

Educational toys have been proven by researchers to challenge, enhance and stimulate the educational and physical development of children. Through educational play parents can connect on many developmental levels in the lives of their children through fun positive play and know that they are assisting their children today to become successful and productive adults tomorrow.

Give Your Child the Advantage

Because children learn naturally through play it is important for parents to invest into their children's future during their early childhood years, infancy through 6 years of age. Parents play a major role in the educational and developmental training of their children because of the wonderful relationship that naturally exists between parent and child.

The human brain is a fascinating organ that grows and develops in an incredible rate during these early childhood years. Educational toys introduced into a child's play provide a great amount of valuable learning, social and physical skills while children have fun doing what they do best, playing.

Research has shown that educational toys permanently enhance the brain. Studies have shown that they challenge thinking, expand the imagination, help develop motor skills, increase curiosity, stimulate creativity, as well as strengthen relationship building and interaction with others. Many pediatricians recognize the benefits that educational toys provide children and have introduced them as a vital part that enhances their waiting room which provides children with a fun, learning experience while visiting the doctor.

As parents, we must evaluate how we allow our children to spend time and remember that the education and development of our children does not begin in the classroom but in a high chair, at a table or on the floor playing with our children.

Every Parent is a Professional

Many parents like yourself are genuinely concerned and are taking control of their children’s future. In an October 10, 2004, a 60 Minutes report revealed that a Census bureau statistics show a 15 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home moms in less than 10 years. But this is not limited to moms only. 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. The 60 minute report also stated that many successful women are choosing to quit their jobs to stay at home and raise their children.

Parents do not need to quit their jobs nor do they need a formal education to have an impact in the training and education of their children. There is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child especially children between infancy and 6 years of age. Parents can help in the educational and developmental skills of their children simply by introducing educational toys into their child's daily play. Educational toys are a great way for parents to interact with their children and have fun at the same time.

Money Does not Always Buy Success

The September 10, 2008 addition of the International Herald Tribune entitled, “Obama Stressing the Problems of Public Education in Campaign” states, “Senator Barack Obama learned how hard it can be to solve America's public education problems when he headed a philanthropic drive here a decade ago that spent $150 million on Chicago's troubled schools and barely made a dent”. One Hundred Fifty Million Dollars in one city, Chicago, and it barely made a dent. When I read this, I’ll tell you, it doesn’t take a degree in economics to realize that putting more money into a broken system is not going to fix illiteracy in public school children. Something is wrong and it needs to be fixed NOW. But no problem is too big that can’t be fixed. Because you’re infant – 6 year old child can become a problem solving, idea generating, creative genius and overcome the system.

Parents have the power to turn the public school crisis around. First, get involved with your local school district. Parents are the voice that moves the board of education to positive action. If parents do not speak up, then the system which has been left to a few out spoken voices stays broken. Next parents must take and active role in parenting their children, especially in children from infancy - 6 years of age. At this age parents can introduce educational toys into their child's play time that researchers have discovered will enhance their child's future success and productivity. So let us work together to combat illiteracy and show the public school system that "Money Does not Always Buy Success".

Taking Charge

Many parents like yourself are genuinely concerned and are taking control of their children’s future. In an October 10, 2004, a 60 Minutes report revealed that a Census bureau statistics show a 15 percent increase in the number of stay-at-home moms in less than 10 years. But this is not limited to moms only. 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. The 60 minute report also stated that many successful women are choosing to quit their jobs to stay at home and raise their children.

Parents do not need to quit their jobs nor do they need a formal education to have an impact in the training and education of their children. There is nothing that can replace the bond between parent and child. It is not necessarily a matter of being a stay home parent as much as spending daily quality time interacting, bonding and training your children. It is the best and most natural way to prepare your infant – 6 year old child for success.

Research has determined that educational toys increase a child’s ability to learn by challenging their thinking, expanding their imagination, stimulating their creativity and developing their physical abilities while having fun, especially from infancy to 6 years of age. So why not begin preparing your child’s future now?

This is Child's Play

Playing is the most natural way of development in children from infancy – 6 years of age. A Stanford School of Medicine researcher reported that the brain regions that help children sense and interpret the world are dramatically affected by early childhood experiences and educational toys that stimulate young mind… 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 while having fun.

The Original Rollercoaster has been a classic for over twenty years and is now entertaining a new generation of children! It is a favorite of pediatricians, teachers, and parents, and has been acclaimed as the most fun educational toy in today's market. The Rollercoaster is a three-dimensional manipulative experience in the perceptual, motor, and language areas. Developmental and learning skills are "challenged" through fun play!

Welcome To Your New World

Whoever started the phrase "the terrible two's" did not know how to have fun with a two year old. A typical two year old can be challenging, but any child at any age can be challenging also. This is why it is so important for parents to understand the different stages of child development from infancy to six years of age. These are the most impressionable years, that are not terrible but quite enjoyable.

A two year old is very curious as they use their senses and motor skills to explore the world around them. They enjoy jumping, running, climbing, touching and especially pretend play. They are fascinated with shapes and colors and enjoy much interaction.

Educational Toys are a great way for parents to help their children grow in these early years. Educational Toys will challenge your child’s thinking, expand their imagination, enhance their motor skills, increase their curiosity, stimulate their creativity, and promote learning while having fun. So dad, mom, there are no terrible two, just a period of time where your child is exploring the "New World" around them. Enjoy them while you can.