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Educational and Emotional Benefits of Playing Cards with Kids

11/15/2017

by Lyn Lomasi; Owner of Intent-sive Nature & Brand Shamans Content Community

Sure, card playing with kids is awesomely fun. But did you know that it also could be good for learning and emotional health? If you haven't played cards with your kids before, you may just change that routine soon.

According to ParentingScience.com, studies show cognitive benefits to play, which could include card playing. Kids who play often are proven to excel in academics. Frequent play also improves memory, problem-solving skills, math skills, and even language skills. This could be due to the fact that many types of play involve utilizing those skills.

Memory and Match-Up card games for kids are particularly beneficial. They can help improve concentration, train visual memory, improve vocabulary, increase hand-eye coordination, increase short-term memory, practice and increase attention to detail, help to classify objects, help to differentiate objects, and help to familiarize traits in specific objects.

The benefits are so strong that card playing is often used to help fight off memory and cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's Disease.

Looking at card games in particular, see how many you can think of that involve using oral language skills, math, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and an emotional connection to other players.

Have you played cards with your kids lately? Which games are favorites?

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10 Safer Baby & Toddler Toys For Gifts Or Anytime

11/15/2017

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10 Toys for a Baby or Toddler that Have High Safety Standards

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Finding safe toys for babies and toddlers has gotten harder, with so many recalls happening. However, there are still many toys that are safe for children as birthday and Christmas gifts or for everyday use. Here are 10 toys for babies and toddlers that have been tested for safety. The toys listed below come from companies who have stated that all of their toys meet or exceed the requirements for toy safety, so with that statement in mind, feel free to browse other toys made by the same companies.

Melissa & Doug Sports Bag Fill and Spill Baby and Toddler Toy

The Melissa & Doug Sports Bag is full of a variety of plush sports balls for your toddler to toss, refill the bag, and then spill them out again. Toy balls are great for hand-eye coordination, sensory skills, listening skills, teamwork, and more! This safe and educational toy will be loads of fun for many babies and toddlers.

Step2 Real Projects Toy Workshop With Tools

Real Projects Workshop from Step2 is most appropriate for toddlers. Made from soft foam, the sturdy pieces meant to resemble wood provide fun practice of fine motor skills. A child can create many different structures with the tools and pieces in this child-sized workshop. It comes with a working table, interlocking pieces, as well as nuts and bolts that can be easily fastened by children.

Infantino Stick and Spin High Chair Pal

Designed for babies 6 months and up, the Infantino Stick and Spin High Chair Pal is versatile as well as educational. This safe and cost-effective baby toy can be attached to most strollers or high chairs, using the suction cup attached to the toy.

Hasbro Tonka Wheel Driver Scoot 'n Scoop 3-in-1 Ride-On

This is a ride-on version of the popular and sturdy Tonka trucks. Suitable for children 9 months to 3 years of age, this triple-duty truck is a wonderful addition to a little one's collection. This toy helps with transitioning from crawling to walking, as it can be used a walker and can be pushed. Your baby or toddler can also use the truck to scoop blocks into the truck bed. Once at the walking stage, the child can then also ride on the truck. It is definitely a bargain, considering it is not only safe, but has multiple fun and stimulating activities.

Tinkertoy

Tinkertoy is a classic building set that is safe for toddlers over the age of 3 years. Tinkertoy uses fine motor skills and also brings out creativity and imagination. Tinkertoy can be purchased in various building sets, both small and large.

Lincoln Logs

Like Tinkertoy, Lincoln Logs is another classic set of building toys. With Lincoln Logs, children can create miniature log cabins and other log structures. Your child can enjoy these wonderful safe toys that help develop fine motor skills and creativity. Lincoln Logs can also be found at many toy retailers. Since there are some small parts, this toy is for toddlers aged 3 years and up.

Playskool Play Favorites Busy Poppin' Pals

Designed for infants and toddlers 1 year old and up, the Playskool Play Favorites Busy Poppin' Pals is great for fine motor skills. The children use the different buttons on the toy to cause animals to pop up. You can affordably and safely keep your toddler entertained and practicing skills daily.

LeapFrog Learn and Groove Color Play Drum

This safe educational toy is designed for infants and toddlers 6 months and up. They can learn colors, opposites, and counting in both English and Spanish, as well as get in some musical and physical play with this electronic interactive toy drum.

Hooked On Phonics Discover Reading Toddler Edition

This is what you could call a safe toy with a purpose. Hooked On Phonics is well-known for its innovative and educational products and this one is no different. While not exactly a toy in the traditional sense, children will have loads of fun learning essential reading skills. This program is designed for toddlers 18 - 36 months old.

Melissa & Doug Shape Sorting Cube - Classic Wooden Toy With 12 Shapes

This durable, cute, and safe toy is great for holding a toddler's attention, while teaching them shapes, colors, and hand-eye coordination. The child can see all the colors and shapes and match them to the cube. The colorful shapes are also great for clanging around, which toddlers like to do. The recommended safety age for this colorful shape cube is 2-4 years.

*As with any toy, these toys do not replace the need for parental supervision. Accidents can happen, even with the best safety ratings. Always use caution and always supervise your baby or toddler.

**The author is a part of the Amazon Associates Program. This means she earns a small portion of sales generated from clicking on the links in this post and uses it to provide for her family. Said partnership did not influence the opinions on these products. See our full Disclosure Policy for more information.

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13 Must-Have Children's Books For Gifts Or Anytime!

11/14/2017

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by Lyn Lomasi; Co-owner of Brand Shamans & Write W.A.V.E. Media

Being a mom to 6, a parenting writer, as well as a former nanny I know just how important it is for kids to have a variety of good books. New and interesting books should be added often to keep kids interested. Here are a lucky 13 baker's dozen of must-have children's books for gifts or any occasion! Enjoy!

The Snortch

"What does a family do when a friendly creature makes itself at home outside of their house? Do they tell it to go away or welcome it?"

Slicker McQuicker and Friends

"Slicker McQuicker is a real funny boy. He laughs and laughs with his heart full of joy. And though he may have funny ears, he's a very good fellow. Slicker sets a good example for children through his words and actions..

..This rhyming picture book for children shares how one special boy teaches his friends the value of morals, self-confidence, and friendship."

The Adventures of Toby Bear

"Toby Bear is a puppy that is so loveable. Everyone loves Toby Bear! But Toby Bear can get into trouble too. Check out what funny things that Toby Bear does and you will love him too."

OH! The Things You Can See In The Dark!

"'OH! The Things You Can See In The Dark!' is a picture book for children ages 3 and up. The premise of the book is to reveal that which can only be seen in the dark or those things made more glorious by the absence of light. While children may often perceive the dark to be ominous, the book shows a magical aspect of the night through the vibrant and lush imagery used. The illustrations are photography-based and highly manipulated in Photoshop. An amalgamation of visual components are used to create the dramatic and brilliantly colored landscapes that are a combination of realism and fantasy. The text is divided between child and adult. For the child, simple questions that can lead to curious discoveries. For the adult, a bit of trivia to offer a stepping off place for the reader to begin a dialogue with the child, create a story of their own, or continue to explore the night. 2016 - received an Honorable Mention from the New York and San Francisco Book Festival Award competitions."

"This would make a great party favor for kids attending a dark party to alleviate those fears" ~ Lyn Lomasi

Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story

"A children's book about two different mental illnesses, depression and mania, Peter and Lisa makes it easier for children to understand these mental conditions. It is a story about two people affected with such illness and how they got better and recovered through the proper medication and necessary support by family and friends. Charles and Linda Baron Katz's Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story manifests the true essence of love and support to aid us overcome every storm that may pass."

The Not So Wise Owl

"The Not So Wise Owl is an amusing tale written in rhyme to stimulate children's sense of humour and fun, making reading much more enjoyable. "The other oak dwellers at first couldn't see what was wrong with the funny old owl in the tree." Find out what has happened to poor Owl in this amusing tale of life in an oak tree. Will Owl ever be wise again?"

His Name is Joe

"His name is Joe. He's in the third grade and uses a wheelchair. Joe wishes people wouldn't stare at him. On the first day of school, Joe meets another third-grader. His name is Jimmy and he stares at Joe. What happens after that is part of the magic of Joe's story. Not the kind of magic that needs an enchanted wand, but a special type of magic everyone has inside of them that can make someone's wish come true."

Mom's Choice Award winning children's book Mubu the Morph

"Go on a rhyming adventure with Mubu as he learns through trial and error the secret to being his best self. Vibrant colors and a playful tone amp up the fun factor in Stephen Nawotniak's engaging story that's sure to ignite the imaginations of children and adults alike. Illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Perdziak and published by People Ink Press, Mubu the Morph is suitable for children in grades K to 3 and the people who love them."

Grandma's Brown Cookies: Made With The Good Stuff

"Kyndle's visit to the wacky family doctor becomes magical. Dr. Wizmagic concocts a powerful potion; enabling Kyndle to communicate with grocery store foods. His mother has no idea he's listening to food. Ultimately, all of the best choices are organic and brown. Kyndle's magical experience takes him on a journey of discovery. He learns natural foods are often healthier, and better for him. This delightful story teaches reader's the importance of making healthy choices and accepting what is natural."

Confessions of a Bunny

"Meet Bun Bun. She may look like your grandmother's vintage bunny, but that's just what four years of devoted companionship looks like on pink polyester. She is the faithful sidekick to her equally charismatic and lovable person, Reagan. Bun Bun shares her life experiences with us as only she can. Told through the eyes of the stuffed friend that your child can never leave behind, Bun Bun lets us in on the one-of-a-kind devotion, sweetness, and love that a child shares with their number one stuffy. Told with humor and a tender heart, you can't help but fall in love with Bun Bun."

The Code Switch

"A realistic fiction about a tender naive friendship that's challenged when both girls become valedictorian candidates. One young girl emulates street talk, the other articulates Standard English. Yet, they share a special bond. Will their friendship endure the competition, disagreement(s) and difference(s)? Who will win? Who should win? They slowly realize the true meaning of two very important facets of life; friendship and academic achievement. From beginning to end, competition, communication, laughter, heart felt dialogue, and self searching bridges their closeness."

The Trotters of Tweeville: JouJou McVue (Volume 3)

"JouJou McVue has anointed herself as princess of the kind village known as Tweeville-at least for today! She is a mindful princess who knows the value of stopping to smell the roses, and that being hasty means wasting opportunities to experience the world around her. Her father, however, is always in a race against time. Today, JouJou and her father have one hour to ride around the lake in her neighborhood. As they begin, her father speeds ahead while she stops to compliment her neighbor, Mr. Fred on his ripe red tomatoes. Will her dad slow down to play in a pile of leaves? Will he stop to welcome a new friend, like JouJou does? Can he slow down to catch a lost puppy? In the third book of the Trotters of Tweeville series, a little girl demonstrates the value of being mindful by reminding her father the opportunities that he wastes in his haste."

Max and Bear

When Bear is given to Max's dad at a very special party, Max wasn't there yet. He is still growing in his mommy's tummy. But Bear can wait. Bear is sure that Max will love him as soon as he is born. While he waits, Bear meets all of Max's other friends. Sophie the giraffe is brown and white and squeaky. Turtle is a magical toy who lights up and plays music. Bear is soft and blue and full of love. He doesn't squeak or blink or play music.

When Max is born, Bear gets so excited! But when Max's mommy gives him Sophie the giraffe instead, Bear is disappointed. He decides to wait for Max to grow up a bit. Maybe then he'll love Bear. When Max grows up so much that he moves into his crib, Bear gets so excited! But when his mommy gives Max Turtle to play with, he is again disappointed. Will Max ever need a friend he can hug and play with who doesn't light up or make noise? Will Max ever notice Bear?

Max and Bear is a sweet story written with young readers in mind. Teach your children the power of love and remind them of the importance of waiting for good things to come with this delightful story of patience and friendship.

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Educational and Emotional Benefits of Playing Cards with Kids

10 Safer Baby & Toddler Toys For Gifts Or Anytime

10 Toys for a Baby or Toddler that Have High Safety Standards

13 Must-Have Children's Books For Gifts Or Anytime!

The Snortch

Slicker McQuicker and Friends

The Adventures of Toby Bear

OH! The Things You Can See In The Dark!

Peter and Lisa: A Mental Illness Children's Story

The Not So Wise Owl

His Name is Joe

Mom's Choice Award winning children's book Mubu the Morph

Grandma's Brown Cookies: Made With The Good Stuff

Confessions of a Bunny

The Code Switch

The Trotters of Tweeville: JouJou McVue (Volume 3)

Max and Bear

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