Toy Tips to Parents: Time to Unplug

When is technology too much technology?
While tech toys are popular and some can be educational, are we going too far into technology assisted play? It seems technology now permeates almost every kind of toy category on the toy shelves. Parents run the risk of stocking the playroom with items that undermine the important developmental aspects of childhood play.  If you over stuff the toy box with too may tech toys, your child may not be exposed to the necessary skills learned through basic  play patterns. Before giving an tech-toy to a child, take a moment, to freshen the batteries and play with those tech toys yourself. Be sure your child undersands the play pattern and be sure you think the toy is appropariate for their age and skill level. Then, balance your child's precious play hours with basic crayons, clay, balls games and other toys that foster self-discovery.

MADE IN CHINA
It's becoming a tagline for buyer beware.

80% of toys on retailers shelves are made in China and what we don't know is how many of them are truly unsafe. The latest recalls include warning consumers
on lead in painted toys made in China, lead in children's jewelery made in China and magnetic toys that can cause death. This is NOT going away and children worldwide and being exposed to potential health risks.
Parents are encouraged to get a blood test for their children only if they feel the child was exposed to lead.