PATIENCE: The concept of waiting is difficult for a child. When doing a puzzle, his patience is exercised but he will begin to realize that with patience each piece will eventually fit and he will achieve the desired result thereby realizing his reward in the end. Life (and puzzles) does not provide the instant satisfaction of “I want it now, I have to have it now” as understood in a child’s world. The reward is the end result of delayed gratification. As adults we become aware of the benefits of working toward a goal. We learn that ethic and achieve that goal with time, hard work and persistence. Puzzles provide children with a better understanding that unless you have all the facts (puzzle pieces) organized, sorted out and put together you will not be able to see the puzzle to its completion to see the entire picture.

PERSISTENCE: It is difficult for children to make progress when faced with obstacles. Sometimes these obstacles can hinder a child’s self-esteem. By the example of a puzzle and adult encouragement, children learn that obstacles do not have to have a negative influence on a task. With persistence children learn to accomplish goals and bring projects to fruition to reap their reward and eventually see the complete picture. Using logical thinking and problem solving skills, ask your child in what ways the puzzle pieces relate to the entire picture. Ask questions like, “Where do you think this piece should go?” Or encourage your child’s persistence by saying; “I like how you keep trying.” With the proper perspective children will be able to ultimately solve their problems (or complete their puzzle).

VALUE/WORTH: Puzzles help children realize that the meaning of the picture is unclear with one piece of the puzzle, just as one person in life gains more value as he/she interacts with other people. One person alone (one isolated puzzle piece) has significance relative to his/herself (e.g. self-concept), but a connection or relationship with one or more other pieces an entire picture is created; and in life a sense of self worth is enhanced. Unique in our own individual way we can have significant impact but through collaborated efforts life can take on a fuller meaning. What do you do with one piece of the puzzle? What value or worth does it have? Help your child understand some things don’t make sense on their own but in combination with other pieces a new concept or value can be realized.

Puzzles are an extremely valuable educational toy when worked independently, but can take on a whole new meaning when guided by a “teacher” who teaches how each piece relates to another puzzle piece, by its size, shape and color. Just as a single puzzle piece, children can learn how their individual contribution to life brings its own reward, just as each piece in the puzzle creates the entire picture.               ETM

While selecting toddler toys, a parent has to keep in mind that just because a toy is touted to be educational doesn’t necessarily make it one.   Every toy a child is exposed to is educational in one way or another, but how many times have parents brought home an educational toy they think a child will be fascinated with only to find that the child seems to get more enjoyment with the box than the toy that came in the box.  Many times it is the act of playing itself that holds the educational value.  It’s important to remember a parents’ own creations for their child can sometimes represent the educational value in a toy or object.

Children love to mimic.  They love to pretend and do exactly what their parents are doing and learn in the process.  How many times do parents hear their children say “Mommy can I do that?”  They want to shadow everything that is being done.  When the bed is being made they want to help.  When the furniture is being dusted they want to help.  When the car is washed or flowers planted in the garden they want to help.  “Help” in a child’s mind means play.

One of the best things you can do as a parent is stage a space that will allow a child to mimic what you are doing.   When my children were toddlers they always wanted to be in the kitchen with me which I loved but they always seemed to be underfoot.  They even had to sit on the kitchen counter, two inches from what I was doing.  To help alleviate the problem as well as keep them out of all the drawers and cabinets I didn’t want them in, I created “their drawer”.  In “their drawer”, I included many of the same objects I was using so they could work (play) with me and do what I was doing.  Not only could I keep my eye on them, I could fix dinner and not worry about them getting into something I didn’t want them to.  “Their drawer” provided them the ability to play safely while allowing me to do my work.  If you don’t have the space in your kitchen to provide your child with “their drawer”, a box or basket is a fine substitute.  You might even let your child help you select some safe items to place in “their drawer” so they take some ownership in the process.  If you don’t have a lot of extras in your kitchen, you might stop at a thrift store or Dollar Store and add to their inventory for very little cost.

A few basic items you might place in “their drawer” include…

·         Measuring spoons which also encourages counting and size such as “which one is bigger and which one is smaller”, wooden spoons, spatulas, whisks, different size stackable bowls, stackable plastic measuring cups which helps develop hand-eye coordination and basic spatial skills and the concept of “in and out”, plastic cups, bowls, plates and utensils, empty margarine containers with lids and any unused Tupperware type products.

·         You might even want to throw in a few of their toys relating to a cooking experience such as pretend food.

·         If you are courageous enough, you might even include a box of oatmeal on occasion providing them with a healthy and safe substance they can utilize to fill their containers using their own utensils.  Oatmeal is relatively easy to sweep up and can be used again.

“What’s for dinner?”  Ask any creative child and you’re bound to hear some very delectable meals if given the opportunity to exercise their own creativity.  When they are all done with their “work” don’t forget to let them know how yummy their creation is followed by…“What’s for dessert?”

What our children are exposed to will mold them into the person God has intended them to be.   It is our job as parents, family and teachers to encourage them, nurture them, love them and guide them – helping them gain the necessary confidence and self-assurance needed to co-exist in this sometimes less than friendly world and equip them with the necessary skills to just plain enjoy life.  Although our company’s contribution to a child’s upbringing remains to provide quality educational toys, our main focus and concern is helping you raise a healthy, well-balanced child.  We also realize that all the toys in the world can never be a substitute for a loving, caring parent or role model.  We need to remember that educational tools don’t necessarily mean expensive toys.  It may mean a hand-crafted toy or project created with material you gathered around the house or picked up at the dollar store shared in the companionship of someone we love or care about.  Whether or not the project or craft turns out to be something you will want to exhibit is irrelevant.  What counts and is the education your child derives from the experience itself and the importance of sharing quality time with a special someone you care about and someone who cares about you. 

The bottom line is – we can all make a difference if we learn to make time for children whether they are ours or belong to someone else.  Learn to be a good role model and most of all be kind, patient and learn to smile even during the times when adversity rears its ugly head.  No one said getting along with children was easy but it is an essential ingredient to the survival of the human race and in hindsight a wonderful experience that will never be duplicated!

 Be sure to stop by our website educationaltoymedley.com to check out the educational toys and products we have available.  Share your time with a child – it is guaranteed not only to make a difference in their lives but will also make a difference in the quality of your life as well.