This post is created in partnership with Melissa & Doug. All opinions are my own. Giveaway information at the end of the blog.
The Power of Play was taken to a whole new level in New York earlier this month with Melissa & Doug. I was honored to be invited as one of their special guests to help facilitate a roundtable conversation over breakfast about the Power of Play. As a play expert, I was asked to co-lead the conversation with other experts on whether or not play should be prescribed…and what that really means.If you have been following me for a while, you know I have been on television and podcasts suggesting that parents should play with their children at least 30 minutes each day. This play time should be intentional and screen free (yes, that means for the parents, too!). We are their role models after all, and if we are on our phones, they won’t understand why they can’t be as well.
As a mom I know it isn’t as easy as it seems in theory. Sometimes I am exhausted and don’t have the energy to play. I then have to choose to muster up every ounce I have or come up with a game or activity that doesn’t take as much energy. It is also ok if you just watch your children play if you are still physically, mentally, and emotionally available to them for those 30 minutes. Sometimes I have to schedule play in just like I do for making dinner, paying bills, crafts, and/or homework. This isn’t to say that play should be a burden, but, instead, something to look forward to each day as a way to bond with your children and destress from the day. But if you are too tired to sit on the floor and play, get outside for a nature scavenger hunt (aka a little stroll)! Have a conversation with your children about their day and about all the treasures they are collecting. It will make learning fun and you’ll have an intimate time with your children that you may not have had at home. Plus, the fresh air and exercise will reset and recharge everyone for the rest of the night! Then, as you are making dinner, your children can paint the treasures they found like sticks, rocks, leaves, and more!
Another big topic of discussion was about screen time. How much is too much? We discussed the difficult question of how we limit it in a technology-driven world, especially as our children get older. When all the other kids in the class have phones and/or play online games, does it limit your child if they aren’t participating? What about if your children are teenagers and are required to use tablets to complete and turn in their homework?
Some children are extremely sensitive to screen time, and too much time in front of a screen can overstimulate them and bring about more negative behaviors. So what kind of limits do you set? One of the participants at the breakfast shared that they have a screen-free day once a week. Someone else shared that they limit the amount of time their child is allowed to have screen time each day. And another person shared that they give screen time as a reward. I typically don’t even keep the tablets charged, so when my children ask for it, and they aren’t charged, they choose a different activity. It’s a strategy that works! By the time the tablet is charged, they forget about it. Then I put the tablets away on a high shelf in the hallway closet so they aren’t tempted, and they usually forget to even ask about them.
Since I work from home half of my week, I do see the value of utilizing screen time when I have to make an important call and need my children to be distracted for a few minutes, but, typically, if I don’t give it as an option, they won’t ask for it. For example, when you buy cookies at the store and they are in your house, you will eat them because they are accessible. If you never buy the cookies, you won’t be tempted to eat them and your children won’t ask for them after each meal. The same mentality goes for screen time. If you give your children the option to paint, do a craft, or play, they will choose one of those activities because screen time isn’t even an option. But if you add screen time to the list, they are more likely to choose screen time. I am not saying to deprive your children of screen time. There can be value in watching a show together or playing a game on a tablet with your child – but try to do it as an activity with them.
After our powerful discussion, we were given an exclusive look at the Melissa & Doug showroom on 5th Avenue to peruse their entire collection of toys. As a mom and play therapist, I was in a play paradise. I only wish my children could have been with me because they would’ve loved playing with all their amazing puppets, puzzles, cars, art supplies, outdoor toys, dress up clothes, and more!
Gladys from The Mother Overload
Beth from Days With Grey
They also had big items like their Diner, Snack Cart, and Play Mart.
I talked to Santa while I was there and he will definitely be bringing some of these favorites to our home next month! I know my daughter would also love the horse stable and dollhouse and my son would love the fire truck and musical instruments!
And since we travel so much, we could always use their Activity Pads, books, and games.
After visiting the showroom, we were able to get a sneak peek at the new FAO Schwarz at 30 Rock! Melissa & Doug has quite a large section of the store dedicated to their brand.
From an entire interactive grocery store with play food, carts, and registers to a giant wall of toys puzzles, puppets, and games!
And it doesn’t stop there! There is a whole other side where they have pay kitchens and more merchandise like developmental toys and arts and crafts! We have owned dozens of their items over the past 5 years and they have stood the test of time. They practically look and feel brand new. The quality of their products is outstanding and I love that they have items for all ages and developmental levels.
When I first became a blogger, working with Melissa & Doug was a dream partnership that I always hoped I would have one day. Being in New York with Melissa & Doug was an experience of a lifetime, and I will never forget it. I am very grateful for the opportunity, and hope I will have more in the future!
And as a collaborative effort to support other parents in the power of play, make sure you head to my social media for a BIG giveaway just in time for the holidays!! Melissa & Doug are giving one lucky winner $250 toward any products of their choice!
That’s awesome what you do.
Wow! Thank you so much!! I really appreciate you saying that!