Dear Parents and Colleagues
Last Friday evening my husband and I were enjoying a delicious Thai feast in Cape Town where I was speaking at the Your Baby Show. I had taken along Blokus Duo – the Blokus game for two people which we wanted to try out, and we were hooked from the first game. This little story is not to tell you about how wonderful this game is (and it is good, click here for my review on Blokus Classic, both games appear on my 2007 What’s Hot list) but rather to reflect on the reactions of other diners as they walked by. I think if I had had 10 games sitting on the edge of the table I would have sold every single one!
Seeing the two of us playing a game seemed to press lots of buttons for people. Their interest was piqued, they were fascinated by what we were doing (in a restaurant nogal!), they were attracted by a new game they had never seen before and I also think it pressed the nostalgia button as well as the connection button for many. This is because we have a natural instinct to play and a driving need for connection (even in this world that is characterised by disconnection!). Playing games with those we love – our partners, spouses, parents and our children enables us to speak to, and relate to each other in a common language that fosters human connection – play. It can provide us with a much needed escape from the demands of the day, allowing us to be “in the moment” even if it is just for 15 or 20 minutes. And when there is not that much to say, play can replace the need for words too – a good bridge builder and relationship saver at any age.
“It is the essential nature of man to play”, said ancient philosopher, Plato. We were born to do it, it is hardwired into the very core of who and what we are and yet in our high tech world we often seem to lose the ‘software’ to access it. Understanding the importance of play and inspiring parents to reconnect with play are some of the drivers behind the work I do.
Play is the basis of discovery of self and life, it is the bridge that connects mere thought with experience, integrates new experiences with old, opens up new possibilities, new ways of being and enables us to transfer learned skills or ideas into new contexts. Play teaches, builds, loves, touches, heals and so much more. It is the most amazing connection tool we have at our disposal, and it’s free to all.
“Play is not just out there somewhere among the stars, nor is it merely within our DNA. Play is around me, in me, beyond me. Play is me. Play is you. Play is we.” O Fred Donaldson, from his award-winning book, Playing by Heart.
As you, like me, hopefully quieten down and recharge your batteries over the holiday season, take time to play with the special people in your life, and discover yourself or parts of yourself you didn’t know, in the process. And if you are looking for some advice about games to buy to help you on your way to play, read on……………
TOY OF THE YEAR AWARDS
On 15 November I attended the Toy of the Year Awards Dinner with my fellow judges. To see the results click here.
FISCHER TiP – MY TOY OF THE YEAR
My personal overall toy of the year 2007 (nothing to do with the TOTY Awards) is Fischer TiP, a German product, with appeal for all ages. It also comes in many different sized boxes making it accessible to a broad cross section of the market. Fischer TiP is fabulous for stimulating creativity and imagination and is great for developing fine motor skills. Click here for more info to see why I chose it. I fully intend to spend some time doodling and creating with this during the holidays – very soothing for stressed out bunnies!
TOY TALK RECOMMENDATIONS 2007
Click here for the short list of my recommendations for Toy Talk Season 2007.
WINNER OF GIANT BLOKUS
Everyone who attended Toy Talk 2007 went into a draw to win a fabulous Giant Blokus game. Congrats to Nadine and Charlie Kuzmanich who won this collector’s item.
WORKSHOPS 2008
NUTS & BOLTS WORKSHOPS
This fun and interactive workshop covers the specific perceptual skills a child needs to acquire within the first 6 years of life in order to be ready for school, as well as how parents can be really creative with a variety of classic toys. Parents are encouraged to put their own stamp on their child’s play experiences by using their imagination, adding love letters, breaking the rules and combining games in order to create more games! Come prepared to play.
DATE & TIME Friday, 1 February 2008, 9 – 11.30am OR
Saturday, 2 February 2008, 9.30am – 12pm
PLACE Friday: Miele Lifestyle Gallery, Peter Place, Bryanston
Saturday: 6 Lombardi Lane, Douglasdale
COST: R200.00 per person
PARENTING ON THE RUN WORKSHOPS
Come and learn how to cheat time in this interactive workshop. Leave armed with over 100 creative and practical ideas for converting what you would normally consider wasted time with your children, into quality time. Nikki Bush will show you how to maximize time spent in the car; doing everyday household activities, or even waiting for appointments with your child. You can stimulate your child’s brain and connect emotionally even when you are on the run. Nikki will also include her ever-popular suggestions on toys to pack for travelling, or for when you are simply on the run. Connecting and communicating your child can be so easy.
DATE & TIME: Friday, 29 February 2008, 9 – 11.30am OR
Saturday, 1 March 2008, 9 – 11.30am
PLACE: Miele Lifestyle Gallery, Peter Place, Bryanston
COST: R200.00 per person
Bookings for all the above workshops is essential. Email your bookings to brightideas@powerpt.co.za. For testimonials visit www.brightideasoutfit.com and click on FEEDBACK.
Happy Christmas, happy holidays and happy playing!
NIKKI BUSH
The Bright Ideas Outfit
