Are toys and games bridge-builders?
It’s Toy Talk Season™ which means that the end of the year (and Christmas) is just around the corner. What a thought! Toy Talk takes months of preparation each year and it’s always such a joy to see parents having fun and making wise purchasing decisions based on what they have learnt and experienced at Toy Talk™. For me, personally, toys and games have always been a parenting tool – a bridge-builder – not only to teach my children certain skills while playing and having fun, but to build and maintain my relationship with them at the same time.
During the next few crazy weeks of the year, do remember to make time to connect with your child through play. Whether it’s a quick 10 minute game or a 30 minute one, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you want to share the play space with your child for a while. Play is the universal language of childhood and my belief is that it feeds all the other love languages that Gary Chapman details in his book, The Five Love Languages (well worth a read). Play is:
- an act of service (you are fulfilling your child’s need to play)
- can involve physical touch
- includes words of affirmation (you can encourage and praise)
- a gift (of your time)
- an example of quality time (when you are focused and present)
So, come and experience some of the “bridge-builders” that I am recommending this Toy Talk™ season. It is the most playful and informative shopping extravaganza of the year. Email me at nikki@brightideasoutfit.co.za to book your seat.
