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SensoryEdge Kids Furniture and Educational Toys Blog
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Time Traveling With Your Kids!
 Do you ever stop and marvel at how "modern" the world is that your kids live in? Depending on your age group, many parents actually managed to grow up with only a black and white television in their homes, no cable, no MTV; children's song were listened to on 45 records or 12-inch albums; no CDs or DVDs, early models of cell phones were a huge clunky affair to lug around and the reception was terrible and books were often our best friends when it was too wet or cold to go out and play. Fast forward to today and you probably have a 3-year-old that can program your DVD player or a 5-year-old that asks permission to go to Noggin online and knows how to get there if you say it's okay. Finding toys that challenge your kids and keep them learning and most importantly, interested in learning, is a real challenge. Time Travel for Kids is an amazing creation written just for the 3-5 year old crowd and will give your preschooler and great idea of what times were like at different points in history. Your child will go through space and time and land at each place and learn through seeing interesting stories present other cultures and historical facts. Through the use of interactive games, creative arts and amusing musical activities your child will learn about dinosaurs, find out about the habits of prehistoric man, visit Native Americans in their village to discover their traditions, and enjoy an Alien's visit from space to learn about the stars above. Learning about history doesn't have to be dry or boring, make it fun and your kids won't even know they're learning! Labels: boys, children, girls, learning-toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, February 16, 2008
Learning Through Living History
 By the time your little one is entering or about to enter school, you will have read and been told a hundred thousand times that children learn and retain knowledge easiest through pretend play. Have you ever thought about how much you can expand on that? Pretend play doesn't have to be about playing house or coffee shop and learning just colors, numbers and shapes. It is also a valuable way for kids to learn to interact, be considerate of other's ideas and opinions and also develop valuable social skills that are paramount for classroom activities and getting along in a group. These are all skills your child will take throughout his or her life. If your little one can't get along in a group and never learns social skills, he won't fare much better as an adult in an office job and may wonder why he never gets that promotion or special project to work on. It all goes back to the basics we learn as kids and you can give your kids a headstart in life by letting them learn through group play and other social building skills. Another fun way to learn that develops young imaginations as well as teaches history is to let your child dress up in a costume and learn about figures or historical times past. Dressing up as an colonial and learning about the early Presidents is a great way to both teach your kids how America was founded as well as making history come to life. Let him dress up as General George Washington and act out Crossing the Delaware. There are tons of preschooler and early reader history books at both your local bookstore as well as your library - indulge your child's love of learning and let him really live the part too! Labels: boys, children, costumes, dramatic play, dramatic play for children, girls, make believe, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, February 09, 2008
Learning Through Crawling and Playing
 Babies are on the go and their little minds are like sponges. Whatever you put in front of them, they soak up. If you have a little one that is on the move, give her a safe place to play that is also stimulating for learning. The Alphabet Foam Mat is a fabulous place for your little one to crawl, play and learn letters and colors. The foam letters are far to big to pose a choking hazard and are easy for little hands to handle and grasp due to their squishy, foamy design. It makes for great interactive play with your child as well as a cushy place to do it. Sing the Alphabet Song to her, talk about colors, and play games like "Find the Letter". When she's a toddler, ask her what her favorite letter is, favorite color and have her point them out. Toddlers love to be opinionated about everything! Your little one will stay safe and clean, while she'll love the bright colors and things to do on her mat. The 5-foot by 5-foot square mat has interlocking pieces that go together like a puzzle which will really please a curious toddler. When your child is even older, she will be delighted to discover that the assembled squares can be put together into cubes for large-sized building play. If you like toys that can grow with your little one, this is another great addition to your child's room! Labels: boys, building Toys, children, girls, kids, learning toys, toddler toys, toddlers, toddlers toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, January 31, 2008
Does Your Child Get Adequate Exercise?
 As a parent you have numerous worries every day, is your child eating enough good foods? Is your child doing well in school? Is your child developing at the pace he or she should? Is your child exercising enough? All of these are valid worries and now more so than ever, childhood obesity is becoming a larger problem (no pun intended) than ever - but there are steps you can take to keep your child out of this group. First of all, leave healthy choices out for snacks. Children tend to grab whatever is easiest and "there" - get rid of the fruit roll ups, chips and crackers and substitute those items with real fruits, carrot sticks or other veggies chilled and crunchy, and if your child likes a sandwich for an afterschool snack, make it a healthy one with fillings ranging from tofu to cheese to peanut butter. Teach your child to watch portions. Once you start going over what a serving size actually is, your child may discover that he's actually been eating 2 or more servings of cereal or crackers at a sitting - those calories add up and the end result isn't good health. Start teaching your kiddo to make good choices now and they'll carry that lesson into their adult years. Getting up and exercising is another way for kids to stay fit. In the colder areas of the United States, going outside and playing every day isn't an option so indoor activities have to . If your child enjoys playing video games or being on the computer - let him but limit those activities so they don't fore go healthier pursuits. Having something to exercise on such as an Airwalker is also a great idea. It's fun and it gets the whole body moving. Another way to get your kids moving is to exercise with them, make some time to get up and stretch your bodies and move to some music - 10-minutes a day is even enough - just do a little exercise! Teach your kids to make good choices with their foods and their bodies; in doing so you'll raise a healthy young person that make healthy decisions instead of another obesity statistic. Labels: boys, children, childrens exercise, exercise, girls
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, January 10, 2008
Give in to Your Baby's Need to Spill!
 Fill and Spill that is. It's never too early to stimulate your baby with a toy that will encourage development on many levels - along with being a whole lot of fun. Babies love repetition as a part of play. Many babies become unsure or even frustrated when a toy doesn't perform the same sound or movement over and over. Most babies have an innate need to know what to expect and this in turn helps them gain confidence. Pour objects out and watching them fall again and again through the grace of gravity is a never ending fascination for most babies. Give your little one a fun toy that will also work on building up his or her fine motor skills as well as grasping skills. Melissa and Doug have put out so many wonderful toys for kids and the Fill and Spill is no exception to that rule. The Fill and Spill will keep your baby entertained for hours with four buggy friends that each make their own sound. One buggy rattles, while another jingles. Another squeaks and that last one crinkles. The toy is completely washable and easy to keep clean. The bugs can be put into the container again and again and then poured out. Your baby will have so much fun experimenting with putting his or her hand inside the "bug jar" and then swirling the buggies around and then tipping the entire container and pouring them out. They can be stacked, counted and you an even play games and ask your baby to give you the bug that jingles or tell your baby to show you the color blue on a bug. There are so many levels of learning with just this one toy! Delight and stimulate your baby with the fun of a Fill and Spill Toddler Toy and watch your child's mind and skills grow. Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, learning toys, Melissa and Doug Toys, pretend play, pretend-play, special needs kids, toddler toys, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, January 03, 2008
Building Blocks of Basic Learning
 Did you ever consider how powerful of a learning tool a simple bunch of blocks can be? There are so many ways to work with your child no matter what his or her age and teach them so many things with a simple group of building blocks. The first thing that children can gain from playing with blocks is the development and fine tuning of gross and fine motor skills. Stacking blocks takes practice and even very small children will enjoy practicing carefully putting one block on top of another until it becomes unbalanced or an unsteady handy hits the wobbly tower of blocks and it comes crashing down - an action which delights most children too! With practice, your child will learn to cause and effect. What happened when he or she stacked up the blocks too high? Finely placing blocks one on top of another also develops manual dexterity needed for grasping and picking up the blocks as well as learning to place them on top of each other in a straight manner. You can move on when your child is older and talk about the shapes of the blocks. Squares and make rectangles and other shapes by stacking up blocks. Play guessing games and create shapes or have races and stack all the blocks of a like color together. All of these create fast thinking and decision making skills in your child. Older children love and appreciate pretend play. Build a simple block house. Decide if it's really a house, a school, an office and talk about what could be going on inside. There are so many ways to learn with a simple set of blocks, if your child doesn't already have a set, get one this week and watch how many ways your child can blossom! Labels: boys, building block toy, children, girls, learning-toys, playroom toys, pretend-play, special needs kids, tactile play, toddler toys, toddlers, toddlers toys, toys, wood toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, December 20, 2007
Ready, Set, Action!
 With the cold days of winter here you kids may be spending more time inside than they usually do and when they do the walls of the house can seem more closed in and smaller than ever when you have a couple of bored kids in the house. Even if you live in the parts of the country that stay warmer during the winter months - there will still be cold, rainy days your kids are indoors. Pretend play is a great way to pass the days and encourage group play, turn taking and stimulate imaginations - all they need is the right tools to do so. Something as simple as a play tent can do the trick. The Train Station Play Tent is a marvelous way to give your kids a place to play and create imaginary scenarios. This pop up tent is perfect for providing hour upon hour of fun play. There's lots of space with mesh roof windows for plenty of fresh air, as well as roll-up windows. The tent is made of long wearing 70 Denier 190T polyester and combined with the Pacific Play Tents exclusive "G-3" patented pole system, the indoor/outdoor tent is a breeze to assemble with the color-coded tent pole system and attached connectors; the train station will be ready to begin hosting endless imaginary play with your kids within minutes. An accessory that is very fun but must be purchased separately is the 19" tunnel portal that your kids can run through to get to the train station. The Train Station itself has flaps and velcro stays and is easy to keep clean with mild soap and water. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, childrens exercise, childrens furniture, dramatic play, dramatic play for children, girls, kids, learning-toys, make believe, pretend play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, December 01, 2007
Creating with Foam Blocks
 If you have a little one on your holiday shopping list that you want to get a toy for that will allow him or her to exercise a growing imagination instead of playing a toy that requires either staring at a computer screen or video game screen for hours or basically plays by itself'; the answer you're looking for is found in Wonder Foam Blocks. This is an age appropriate gift for kids ages 3-years old and up. This amazing set of blocks comes with 152 pieces, the largest being 12-inches by 6-inches and 2-inches thick. These are made in bright colors and not only help children maximize their learning of their colors and shapes, but also their hand and eye coordination skills and in a group setting it's great for encouraging group play. Best of all these fun blocks can be used in the bathtub! It's also easy to keep these blocks neat, when you're kids are done playing - the blocks fit neatly in their own storage bag that comes with this set. Give your kids a fun gift that will light up their minds with all the new structures and creative buildings they can make, get them Wonder Foam Blocks this holiday season. Labels: boys, building block toy, children, learning toys, playroom toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, November 22, 2007
Ultimate Dollhouse for a Very Good Girl
 Has your little girl been showing signs that she wants to engage in more pretend play? As you know, pretend play is a wonderful way for kids to work out socialization skills, engage in group play and also expand little minds through creative thinking. Children love playing out the things they see every day and no way brings that type of play out better than a doll house. The KidKraft Glamour Dollhouse is a great gift for your child that will give her hours of fun play alone or with others and this isnt' just a dollhouse. This dollhouse has lights, sounds and four full levels of pretend play waiting for your child. Also this dollhouse comes with a 21-piece furniture collection and certain built in pieces light up with just a push of a button. The bedroom vanity mirror, two gorgeous chandeliers, and the stove all will light up and appear to be "on" enhancing the pretend play time. Other features include a piano, toilet and stove that make realistic sounds when their buttons are pushed. Each room in the dollhouse is brilliantly decorated and there are six large windows on the outside of the doll house so a larger number of kids can see in and watch the action while they play. If your little one already has some favorite fashion dolls, this dollhouse will easily accommodate dolls up to 11.5-inches in height. The dollhouse is made from sturdy materials and will deliver hours of fun play for years to come and no sad faces on Christmas morning with this present - batteries *are* included! Labels: bedroom, boys, children, dramatic play, dress up, girls, girls toy, home furnishings, learning toys, learning-toys, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, November 03, 2007
Sensory Integration is the Edge for Kids
 Autism is one of the most often misunderstood diagnosis given to children today. Many people think it means the child is locked only in their own head or is in some way mentally challenged and unable to learn - those assumptions couldn't be further from the truth. There isn't just one type of autism and depending on the type the child has been diagnosed with, the therapy to help the child will be a little different. However, many caregivers agree, nearly all children with autism thrive on sensory integration. Sensory integration is simply learning to combine our given basic senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste) to coordinate and interpret the world around ourselves. This is something most people do effortlessly as they grow up, however autism can rob a child of the ability to do this automatically and it must be learned. One way it can be learned is through play. There are a large number of sensory developed toys that can enrich the lives of autistic children and help them learn to coordinate what they are feeling, seeing, etc; and interpret it to the world around themselves. Toys that encourage movement, touching, or change as they are played with are all good choices to use. Tactile bars are a great example of sensory play. These bars have several different textures on them and the children can feel of them and learn the different ways that various items "feel". The sooner the child starts sensory integration, the sooner you can start seeing results. Make sure that your child has tactile toys outside the therapist's room and keep his mind working and growing through sensory stimulating play. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, learning-toys, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Halloween Safety Tips
 If you choose to celebrate Halloween, make sure you do it safely. Use these tips to ensure your kids have a safe and spookerific Halloween. First of all, choose your child's costume wisely. Avoid costumes that have full face covering masks. They are difficult for children to see out of and your child could wind up tripping over an unseen object or worse, not seeing an oncoming car when crossing the street. Opt for face paint, or costume effects such as a single eye patch, funky glasses or other add ons that won't impair vision. Next, if your child is going trick or treating, younger children should go in a group that is supervised by at least one adult and older children should always go out in a group. Houses without lights on are to be left alone. Houses with Halloween decor that are lit are usually welcoming trick or treaters. "Please" and "Thank You" should not be forgotten just because your child is someone else for an evening. Tell your child to be sure to say, "Thank you" for any treats they get. Also, tell your child not to munch on any candy until they get back. It's not likely one of your neighbors is attempting to harm your child with candy, but check everything in their treat bag to make sure it's wrapped and safe to eat. If trick or treating isn't an option in your area, many malls and schools provide save havens for trick or treat parties where there are games, goodies and all their friends are gathered in costume having fun. Halloween was meant to be fun and you can keep it that way be teaching your kids the safety basics and make sure if it's not yourself, another responsible adult is with your kids on Halloween. Have a safe and Boo-tiful night! Labels: boys, children, costumes, dress up, girls, halloween, halloween costumes, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Imaginations at Work
 If you happen to hear something similar to "yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" coming from inside your child's room, don't panic, he is just pretending to be a pirate. Pretend play is probably one of their favorite activities and more than likely it is the same for the parents or caregivers because it gives you an inside peek at the fascinating mind of a child. Imagination rules a child's playtime which is great and should be encouraged while they are young because the real world comes far too quickly in their life. It's not uncommon to hear someone tell a child to grow up and while, yes it is a necessary step in their development it should not come too soon. Nor should it happen all at once. It should be a gradual process, helping them to adjust to this new world of reality and responsibility. This can be accomplished in any number of ways, perhaps beginning with small age (and size) appropriate chores or jobs. Do not get frustrated when he seems like he comprehends everything you are trying to teach one day and the next its back to what? This is very normal and expected since their attention span is often very short for a number of years. Just be patient, he will eventually understand what is expected of him and will also begin to learn why these lessons are important. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, dramatic play, girls, kids, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, October 06, 2007
Holiday Cooking With Your Kids
 You know just how much you always wanted to cook with your mother or your grandmother as a child each and every time they were hard at work in the kitchen. The smells of something delicious baking in the oven were enough to draw you in. However, once you caught a glimpse of what they were putting together, you couldn't help but want to join in. As your children begin to grow and explore around the kitchen, there are going to be times when they will want to get right in there and help with the cooking just like you did. For these times, you might want to set aside little projects that they can help you with. Simple cookie recipes are always nice when the holiday season rolls around, or they can even help you put together some delicious decorate chocolates. Either way, this will be the starting point for the kinds of cooking skills that your children will carry on with them as they grow into teenagers and then to adults. The Little Farm House Table & Chair Set is a delightful selection of furniture that you can have in your kitchen for your children to use when they are helping you cook and create. Either use while they are mixing and kneading or even let them sit down and reap the rewards of all of their efforts after they are finished helping you. Holiday goodies and the perfect place to enjoy them are the best ways to create special moments of bonding that you can cherish for a lifetime. Labels: bedroom, boys, children, childrens furniture, girls, home furnishings, kids, kids furniture, pretend-play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Bring The Fall Season Into Your Children's Artwork
 Before the weather begins to get too chilly, think about taking your kids outside to enjoy some of the crisp, fresh fall weather to paint and enjoy other crafts. This is such a wonderful time of year, especially because all of the leaves are beginning to change color and there are so many vibrant, wonderful things to look at outside. Taking the time to share this season with your children can be an incredible experience that you can share and make amazing memories that you can cherish forever. Kids really enjoy getting involved and taking on projects with a hands-on approach. Instead of having them sit inside to create, take it one step further and bring their art supplies and easel or table outdoors where they can get up close and personal with the changing weather and all of the beautiful colors of the fall season. Art Kits are perfect to take outside with them to use on their table or easel to capture some of the good stuff that fall has to offer. Use the non-toxic paints to help the kids paint the backsides of leaves and then press them onto paper. You can even have them take a pencil or crayon to outline leaves on paper and then color them in with water colors, paints and crayons. Because there are so many different things to see and enjoy while you are outside with your kids, the possibility for craft projects are endless. You might just find that this will be a regular ritual that you will enjoy with your kids every time this season rolls around. Labels: art, boys, children, crafts, girls, make believe, painting
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, September 27, 2007
Life's Lessons
 How many times, while watching your child, have you found yourself thinking that something they did or said reminded you of your own childhood? Everyone probably does this at one time or another and if you use this information it may just help you raise your child. This can be useful for any number of reasons; perhaps it may be something like comforting them after a friend hurts their feelings, or being able to anticipate a result or reaction and preparing them for the outcome. This is not meant to imply that you will be able to do this all the time or even that you would if you could because many of these things are necessary life lessons. However, it does give you a little edge when trying to think of something to make them feel better about what has happened or maybe even help you make the actual lesson a little clearer to them. Many times you will be able to give the "I know how you feel" speech and while they may not believe it at that particular moment, they will remember it. You can also use it as a way to show them alternative actions for expressing their feelings. A father may look at his son and tell him that fishing used to make him feel better or even playing sports. As a mother you may tell your daughter that whenever something like this would happen you used to go play with your dollhouse. A doll and dollhouse can be very effective when trying to show them how a fight with a friend might have been avoided or showing different ways to handle a situation. They can accomplish this perhaps by role-playing using the dolls and dollhouse. As parents you want to keep anything that might disappoint, hurt or frustrate your child away. But you also know it is not possible and not even always practical to try. All you can do is your best and remembering your childhood can be a help. Labels: boys, children, dramatic play, girls, kids, pretend play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, September 14, 2007
To The Moon!
 If you have children or you work with them on a regular basis, you are fully aware of the kinds of projects that they like to get involved in and anything they get to touch and have a "hands on" experience is a big plus. No matter where you go, they are constantly looking for things that they can get their hands into. Whether you are going to the park to play on the playground or even the beach so they can build sandcastles. However, what do you do when they ask about sandcastles and you have absolutely no way of getting them to the beach? Luckily for parents and teachers today, there is Moon Sand! One of the coolest hands-on kits that you can get your children, you will swear that the sand that comes in this set came straight from the beach. If you have never heard of Moon Sand, it is a great way for your kids to play with what feels like dampened beach sand, only it never dries out. There will be hours upon hours of time that your children will be able to spend while working and molding this terrific sand product. Non-toxic and full of fun, Moon Sand is completely re-usable as well as allergen free! If you think that this handful of sand cannot get any better, you even get a great inflatable tray in the package along with two pounds of sand and fun molds to shape the sand in castle form and more.. No matter what time of year it may be wherever you live, kids can get right into the thick of things with Moon Sand and it will almost feel like they were able to enjoy a great beach adventure. Labels: autistic-children, boys, children, crafts, girls, kids, make believe, pretend-play, special-needs, tactile play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, September 05, 2007
The Perfect First Play Date
 Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you simply cannot get toddlers to interact with one another without a little bit of coaxing. Even if one child is willing to play and socialize with others, there may always be one or two in a group that just want to sit on the sidelines for a while. When you have a first play date planned for your child along with one or more children, you might want to think of having a couple of toys handy that will promote interaction as well as socialization. While crayons and crafts are wonderful, sometimes it takes a little more to get kids on the path to making friends and playmates. At toddler age, it can also be a bit difficult to find a way to get children to share with one another, since this is a trait that they really have not had too much experience with as of yet. Having a toy or collection of toys that can be used by multiple children at once could be the best move you ever make with a first play date. The Brick Me Building Set is a great choice for toddlers, especially when they like to put together colorful pieces in stacks and patterns. This is a nice set of large blocks made from plastic, which makes for easy handling and plenty of ways to build, share and interact with one another. Having such a set of blocks on hand could make life easier for any parent that would like to enjoy a memorable play date with their children. Labels: boys, building block toy, children, girls, hand eye coordination, learning-toys, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Mirror Image
 Children can become bored easily and it can be a challenge to think of different ways to help keep them entertained. While it is true that the earlier they learn how to entertain themselves the easier it will be for children and parents alike, realistically it can take several years for a child to get to that point. That challenge may become increasingly difficult under different circumstances. For example, if your child is visiting a doctor and is old enough to remember being there before it can cause them to experience extra anxiety. Perhaps the last time you visited the doctor your child was ill or needed to update their immunizations, that sticks in their mind and they may become very anxious at the next visit. Even if you tell them that it is just a check-up and there will be no need for shots, they may still feel a little doubtful and it can be helpful if there are fun and interesting toys in the waiting room. Children are naturally drawn to their own image and sometimes will spend a great deal of time in front of a mirror. Sometimes you will catch them blowing kisses to themselves (some even kiss the mirror) or making funny faces. Many times you will hear double the laughter if another child happens to be with them doing the same thing. One way to capitalize on this form of entertainment is to have a mirror or two around for them. This can be extremely helpful in a waiting room, as they will have other kids laughing and playing with them. You may also want to consider a Giant Giggle Mirror that has a double curve in it giving it a "fun house" type of reflection. Each child will see themselves and their playmates differently, and will have great fun pointing this out. If your child’s pediatrician does not have this type of toy, you may tell them about it and see what they think. They also know how important it is for a child to have as little anxiety as possible when visiting a doctor and they may take this into consideration. However it happens a child needs that little extra comfort when it comes to a doctor visit and this type of toy is bound to bring out the giggles. Labels: children, home furnishings, kids furniture, make believe, toddlers toys, waiting room toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, August 25, 2007
Imagination Central
 Whether you are a parent or caregiver, you realize that stimulating a child’s mind is very important in helping them grow and mature. Many experts agree that there is a vast difference in children that are encouraged to use their imagination opposed to those that have little or no stimulation. The ones that have been encouraged to be curious and explore are far more likely to grow and mature into a well-rounded adult. Most children begin to really display curiosity and seek out things that catch their attention around their first birthday. Some may do this sooner and some later, the time frame itself is not written in stone, it's just a guideline. No one knows your child as well as you do, so you will need to watch for individual signs that your child is ready to explore. One way to help them along is to provide ways for them to start developing and shaping their own individuality. This can be done in a variety of ways, from scheduled instruction times to free play. Naturally, the ideal would be to combine the two, as this seems to get the best results. If you are attempting to insert a little educational instruction, keep in mind the younger the child the harder it may be to keep their attention. It does help to make it as fun as possible while still keeping it age appropriate. An excellent choice for this type of educational toy is the Purple Play Panel Wall Toy. As the name indicates, it can be mounted on a wall, which leaves more space available for a play area on the floor. It has a great variety of games that children love to play and the bright colors are pleasing to the eye. It can also be great fun trying to teach your child how to say the name, they love those P's. Labels: boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, kids, learning-toys, make believe, pretend-play, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, August 22, 2007
A Pretend Kitchen - Fun That Teaches Life Skills
 Children love to help, but it's not always practical. The kitchen can be a dangerous place for your child even though you're supervising. While you still let them help out with stirring the cupcake batter (and yes, you know there's the occasional "taste" that happens when the kiddo thinks you're not looking); or help by getting a stick of butter out of the fridge, they can't help cook things on the stove or take items in and out of the oven no matter how badly they'd love to really help you and do that too. A pretend play kitchen brings a wonderful solution that can let your children have fun while also learning valuable life skills. Teach your children to "wash" their hands in the sink to get rid of any germs on their hands and explain germs can make people sick so it's important to get rid of them before you handle foods that everyone will eat - it's another way to instill good habits that will last a lifetime. Also, you can let them show you what they've learned just helping out in the kitchen with you when they play. Such as stirring their pretend batters, baking a pie or making entire pretend meals for you or their stuffed animals gathered around a table. Talk to your kids about good food choices and bad food choices. You'll hear your words come out in their play. Afterwards, let them pretend to do the dishes (another skill you hope you can coax out of them in later years). You can even give the kids real foods to prepare such as sandwiches or encourage them to make up menus and have a restaurant. A pretend kitchen will lend itself to so many scenarios and all of them will have your kids learning something new! Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, learning-toys, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, August 17, 2007
Ready to Learn
 Summer is almost over and another school year is right around the corner. Are you ready? Or at least as ready as you can be? Children's educators are just about the most important people around and are most certainly high on the list of exceptional role models. If you are a teacher, and that includes the people that home school their children, you already know how important you are to those growing young minds. Long considered a most noble profession, teaching children is a very rewarding career. You get the chance to see the look of excitement and pride when something new is learned, or a skill is mastered. As you are probably already aware, the environment for learning can be just as important as the lessons themselves. This holds particularly true for younger children. Once you have their attention, keeping it can be a difficult task. There are different tools and methods that may be used to encourage learning in a fun and enjoyable manner. As a teacher, it is important to make the teaching area as inviting and comfortable as possible, which in turn lends itself to a learning environment. Bright colors and bold shapes tend to be very popular with young children. It catches their eye and makes them want to investigate it further. Colorful posters on the walls and bright carpeting are great for getting their attention. You may also want to consider a reading corner, complete with several beanbag chairs in bright colors and shapes. They will love sitting in these great chairs, which just may result in a new appreciation for books and learning. Labels: autistic-children, bedroom, boys, children, girls, kids, kids furniture, seating, toddlers
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, July 28, 2007
Toys That Keep Kids Moving
 You hear all the time on the news today that it is more important than ever to make sure that children grow up learning that exercise is good for them. With the obesity rate steadily climbing, it is a great idea to make sure that your children always have plenty of fun ways to remain active. After all, exercise can be fun as well as beneficial to their health. For some parents, the best way to get their kids involved in exercise is to present it to them in the form of play. Once kids begin to explore and have fun through movement, they end up forgetting that they are even exercising and simply focus on having a good time. Whether you have a day care within your home or you are just looking for a nice way to get your children moving, there is nothing quite like the Extendable See Saw. Just like some of the teeter-totters that you remember from the playground when you were a child, the Extendable See Saw is a great indoor or outdoor piece of equipment that is sure to get your children involved in exercise. With three different height positions, this see saw will even be able to grow with your child so it can be used often throughout the years. Play and socialization are two terrific ways to build both motor and social skills. When you blend exercise in with these two elements, you pretty much have an excellent activity that is just right for any child! Labels: boys, children, exercise, girls, outdoors, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Cool Outdoor Fun
 The smell of fresh air and the sound of children laughing can create quite an incredible experience for any proud parent. When you want your children to get outdoors and enjoy themselves, you actually have several options when it comes to activities and play items. For a great way to combine the fresh air outside and a good bit of exercise, you may want to look into a piece of equipment the mimics one of their favorite sports. The 4 Ring Kids Basketball Hoop could quite possibly be one of the coolest outdoor contraptions that you will ever spend your hard earned money on. When using this basketball hoop, kids can enjoy exercise, healthy competition, socialization and more. No matter what the athletic level of the child may be, there are four different hoops that they can choose from to help them as they practice their shots. In addition to all of the features that come along with this fun toy, you will be able to take advantage of spending quality time outdoors with your children and their friends. You can look into helping them with their jump shot or even show them the best way to dribble all around their competition. With only a little bit of time spent using this versatile basketball hoop, it won't be long before you see just why so many children and parents alike seem to fall in love with this wonderful toy. You may even find that this will become one of your child's favorite outdoor activities! Labels: boys, children, exercise, girls, hand eye coordination, outdoors
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, July 20, 2007
A-B-C's of Fun Learning
 As parents, you naturally want the best for your children and that includes education. While watching your toddler you may think it's too soon to be thinking about their education. Nothing could be further from the truth. Keep in mind that they are literally like sponges, watching and absorbing everything around them. Obviously, they take their cues from parents and caregivers, their role models. It is never too soon to set examples or begin to expand their horizons. Take the time to really be a teacher, role model and parent to your child. Show them the benefits of being curious about things and of learning everything you can about them. Not all of this learning and education pertains to actual scholarly knowledge; it may be about animals, people or anything else that interests them. However, this does not mean that formal education should take a backseat to everything else and it is important to make that a part of your teaching also. Of course, not all children learn at the same rate as their peers, but there are some things that you can watch for to make sure they are getting what they need. Watch for signs that they are not really understanding what is being taught. Sometimes this is shown in their frustration of the subject. A great tool for encouraging learning while still being fun is the ABC Chalk Talk, a winner of the Family Fun Magazine Toy of the Year. This amazing toy is an interactive touch pad with over 30 sensors to help teach kids the alphabet, phonics, colors and numbers. With five fun activity modes and many levels of play it keeps children motivated to learn. Who says learning isn't fun? Labels: boys, children, girls, kids, language, learning-toys, reading
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Beat the Heat
 Everyone loves the summer, especially kids and who can blame them? They get to play outside, ride their bikes and go swimming along with a myriad of other favorite activities. However, there are days that it rains or it is just plain too hot to be playing outside safely. Those are the days that can cause fear and dread among parents and caregivers. Possibly the mere thought of trying to keep a child busy and entertained inside is too much for you to even think about. And the thought of entertaining more than one child may be cause for panic as far as you are concerned. Sit back, take a deep breath and relax. Just because the weather is not on your side for the day doesn't mean the kids can't have fun. Nor does it mean you will be pulling your hair out by the end of the day. Do you remember those wooden blocks you had as a kid? Well, they sure have changed. There are some really amazing sets available now. For example, there are blocks relating to different types of cultures and their architecture. There are Greek blocks with lots of pillars and sleek lines. The Oriental block set has a pagoda style to it and the Arabian block set is just how you would think it would be with the more rounded and exotic designs. Of course, there is a favorite among kids and that is the Castle block set where they can build towers and have moats surrounding their castle. Wooden blocks are great for when you have more than one child too. They can work together on a big project or on their own with a smaller version. Kids love these wooden blocks and you just may end up on the floor with them building together. Labels: boys, children, girls, hand eye coordination, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, July 13, 2007
Wanna Play School?
 If there is one thing that kids love its pretend play. They have the best time pretending to be all kinds of people in all kinds of places. This type of play can also be educational and a good example of this is the Pretend Play School Set. This award winning set is great for kids that are not quite school age as it has many of the things they will encounter when they start school. Even kids that are in school will have great fun making their "own" school and rules. It offers a chance for exploring all the wonderful things they may encounter once they start attending school. It can also be quite a learning tool when a sibling or friend who already goes to school is willing to play or act out things that really do happen to them while they are at school. This set comes with everything they will need to create the ultimate pretend classroom. There is a clock so they know when they are supposed to be in what class. A bell to let them know when it is time for lunch or to go home. A dry erase board where they can write down assignments, a map, pointer, and even a calendar. Don't forget the hall passes you don't want to be caught out of class without one. And all of this is stored in a convenient tri-fold carry board. The Pretend and Play School set is an exceptional learning toy and will provide hours of fun for your child. Labels: boys, children, dramatic play, girls, kids, learning toys, make believe, pretend-play, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Learning Side by Side
 In this day and age children seem to grow and mature at an alarming rate. So many things they are exposed to now would have never even been considered years ago. While this is believed to be a good thing there are times when any child may feel a little lost. Maybe they don't grasp a concept as quickly as their schoolmates or friends, which oftentimes leads to frustration. Sometimes children are not entirely receptive to having a parent or teacher try to explain something. It may make them feel like they are way behind everyone else. However, you may have noticed they are slightly more comfortable with instructions from someone a little closer to their age. Not exactly their age or grade as that may make them feel more frustrated when they do not grasp an idea or problem. The Buddy Two Child Computer Desk is a wonderfully designed product that may make the extra bit of learning a little easier to do. It seats up to two children with the extra wide 30.5" seat. The desktop is deep enough for a large computer with the capability of storing a full size tower below the desk. This arrangement allows two children to sit side by side which enables a great deal of hands-on interaction. It is sturdily built and has dent resistant edge banding. Naturally the biggest advantage is the fact that they can be side by side, learning through both watching and participating. This arrangement lends itself to a more compatible type learning, rather than someone standing in front of them, or over them, which may make them feel small and insignificant. Labels: boys, children, computer-desk, girls, home furnishings
posted by SensoryEdge
3 comments
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Creativity And Scrapbooking Go Hand In Hand
 With the way that the art of scrapbooking is sweeping the world, it is only natural to see that children are taking on quite an interesting in creating scrapbooks of their own. By scrapbooking, a child is not only able to preserve their precious memories in a fun, unique way, but they are also able to sharpen their minds while working creatively. You can sit down with your child and scrapbook with them, give them the tools so they can work alone or even encourage them to have a scrapbooking party with some of their friends. If you have been looking for a fun and easy way to introduce your child to the world of scrapbooking, ScrapAttack has a great line of scrapbooking kits that are just right for all sorts of occasions. Any time your child wants to preserve memories or even just spend a few hours out of the day doing something creative, these kits by ScrapAttack are just the ticket. Perhaps your child has a best friend who is celebrating a birthday or they spent a lot of time together creating memories over the summer. The Best Friends Scrapbooking Kit by ScrapAttack is a fabulous want to help your child get their creative juices flowing. Inside this kit, your child will find plenty of stickers, great craft pieces, themed papers, glitter and much more. By working on such a scrapbook, your child will feel a whole new level of creativity and accomplishment. They can either work on the scrapbook and give it to their friend as a gift or even take turns back and forth creating keepsake pages in the book! Labels: children, crafts, girls, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, June 23, 2007
Let Your Children Enjoy The Clear Sand And Water Table
 Any adult should remember that as a child it was always an extremely fun time whenever you had the chance to either sink your fingers into some nice, clean sand or even splashing around in some nice cool water. Perhaps even today as a grownup, you still enjoy these kinds of things from time to time. Whether you are still a child at heart or not, you should know that there are great toys available that will allow your children to enjoy the same sand and water experiences. The Clear Sand & Water Table is a fabulous toy for children of all age groups to enjoy. Children can use this play table whether you are at home, in a classroom setting, at the playground or even at the beach because it is easy to take along with you. Not only does this fun play item have several different depths that kids can explore and have fun with due to the multi-layer design, but there is even a cover so that you can keep it clean whenever it is not in use. When you have the Clear Sand & Water Table, you have the ability of use for with your children as they grow. This is not some play table that will wear out its welcome shortly after you begin to use it. The stand that comes with this piece is easy to adjust for kids of all different heights! Once set up, it is quite easy to see just why kids would have so much fun playing with this item. Labels: children, kids, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, June 08, 2007
Ahoy, Matey!
 All kids love pirate stories, possibly arising from the increasingly popular Pirates of the Caribbean movies or the classic book by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island. Whatever the reason, children seem to love everything about adventuresome pirates. Every Halloween you are likely to see dozens of pirates demanding "loot" and hording it much like a pirate and his treasure chest. You are almost guaranteed to see some little pirates dueling in the streets or making their friends walk the plank. If you have an aspiring swashbuckler or know someone that does, the Deluxe Pirate Costume is perfect for Halloween or getting together with their friends and having epic adventures on the high seas. It comes with pants and a shirt vest that includes the ruffled jabot that all of the best-dressed pirates wore. The girl's costume, with a skirt instead of pants, is perfect for all of the potential Anne Bonny's, the fiercest female pirate on the seas. Both costumes come with a belt, boot covers, hat and of course, the one thing no self-respecting pirate would ever be without, the ever-famous pirate accessory, an eye-patch, resulting in an amazingly authentic-looking outfit that will bring hours of fun and adventure. In fact, they may be having so much fun, you might have a little trouble convincing your pirate its time to sail into port and leave the adventures for another day. The complete Deluxe Pirate Costume ensures that your little pirate will have everything they need to sail the seas and hunt for treasure. Labels: children, costumes, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, June 02, 2007
Look at My Room
 A major milestone in a child's life is getting to help decide on the decor or theme for their bedroom. It makes them feel so grown up even if their choices are still decidedly child-like. They can start with a bed that fits their personality. It may be a stunning Contour Canopy set up in a matte white or a Coronado bed in a tarnished copper finish. Or a slightly older child may prefer a Surrey Daybed in a luxurious cherry finish. They will probably need additional furnishings and accessories to complete the look, so be sure to check out the matching nightstands. There are also great bookcases to choose from, like a dollhouse bookshelf or even a circus theme bookshelf. If you are decorating for a little girl then you will definitely want to look over the vanity table and chair sets. With everything from Pretty n' Pink to a Star is Born and the Always a Princess vanity theme you will be sure to find something to please your little one. Another great addition to a child's room is a table and chair set. There are many styles available such as Noah's Ark Table and Chair set, the Nantucket Table Set in Pastels and Guidecrafts Sunflower Table and chairs. The Construction Zone table and chair set are very popular. No matter what they choose it will be a huge deal because "they got to help" and you will know it was a great decision and well worth the effort. Labels: bedroom, children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, May 31, 2007
Just a Minute
 Have you ever tried to explain "just a minute" to a child? Much less, "you can play for 5 more minutes". Most young children have no concept of time and trying to teach them even the basics can be frustrating for you both. Visual aides can be a huge help, especially for the younger children. Both the Time's Up Time Out Brown Bear and Frog are wonderful ways to help start them on their way to telling time. They can be used to help show when playtime is up, such as "when the timer goes off it is time to put the blocks away." Or, "you may read for five more minutes, then it is bedtime." In both cases you can even have them help set the timer, giving them a sense of control and learning. It can also be used in anticipation of an event. For example, "you have to study for 10 more minutes then you can play" or "grandma should be here within 30 minutes". It also works great when sharing problems might occur. You can have them set the timer and tell them it will be their turn to play with a toy or sit on moms lap when the timer goes off. It can also be useful on those rare occasions that a "time out" may be necessary. It seems to calm them a little if they can actually see the time running down and the end of time out approaching. Whatever the reason for use, it will be an amazing and much used addition to your household. Labels: children, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, May 24, 2007
Lighting Up The Bedroom Or Nursery
 When you are designing any room, the lighting is always an important factor in the overall look and feel once the room is finished. This same idea should be kept in mind while you are taking the time to redecorate or set up a child's room or even a nursery. When it comes to each one, the proper lighting can create a feeling that is both warm and inviting. With bedroom's for younger children or a nursery for a baby, you are going to want to look into lighting that is a bit more subtle. Not until the child grows older and will have the need for doing homework and other projects in their room will you have to look into lighting that is brighter. For the time being, you can look into great lamps and lighting fixtures that will work well with softer watt bulbs. If you are looking for the perfect lamp to go in your young child's bedroom or nursery, look to the theme that you have chosen first. If it is clowns, then choose a fun lamp with a circus theme that has plenty of bright primary colors. For the little princess in your life, you can always go with something a bit frilly with the hand painted desk lamp for girls. Not only does this lamp have beautiful flower accents, there is even a fun and furry white trim on the top and bottom of the shade. Any child will love having a terrific themed lamp in their bedroom! Labels: bedroom, children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, May 22, 2007
A Fun And Memorable Birthday Present
 One of the things that you will always remember each year from your childhood will definitely be each birthday celebration. When birthday time rolls around once a year, kids tend to get overwhelmed with excitement as well as anticipation. What kinds of toys and gifts will they get? Hopefully, they will have at least one or two toys given to them that will bring them all kinds of fun times and memories that will last them a lifetime. Sometimes, the best toys are based on the simplest of ideas. These are toys that have a basic premise behind them, however they provide all sorts of entertainment and plenty of activity for the child to enjoy. One toy that fits this profile and even exceeds expectations happens to be the Flying Turtle Ride On Toy. This is a really cool toy that any child between the ages of three and thirteen could easily fall in love with, possibly even becoming very addicted to the sort of fun that it provides. Completely kid powered, the Flying Turtle can be used either indoors or outdoors, all depending on the weather. All kids have to do is hop on the seat, put their feet into place, grab onto the handle bars and go! A safe toy that sits in just the right position from the ground, there are never any sharp edges to worry about. Once your child has this ride on toy, you are sure to hear them say that it was one of the best birthday presents that they have ever received. Labels: children, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Saturday, May 19, 2007
Life's Building Blocks
 Have you ever watched a child play with blocks? Sometimes the younger ones are still learning about objects by touching or even tasting them. No matter how many times you tell them not to put it in their mouth your words are largely ignored. Sometimes they at least try to hide it by turning their back to you. Yet other times they just look at you with that lower lip quivering hoping that you will give in. Once they see that you are not going to let them do it they simply go back to building and try to slyly sneak peeks to see if you are watching. They love to have you try to guess what they are building just knowing that you would never in a hundred years get it right. Their imaginations are vivid and they know exactly what they are trying to build. Attempting to create what is in their mind helps them develop more controlled motor skills. The are trying to figure out if that tall tower they built will stay up or crumble to the ground if they put just one more block on the top. And just because they think it is funny they will build that tower over and over again just to watch it crash when they put that "one more block" on the top. But don't let anyone else put that block on there and make it fall or they will face the wrath of a two year old that didn't really want to share to begin with. So get out those blocks for your child and stand back, they will have that bridge built in no time. Oh yeah, if you ask very nicely they may let you join in the fun. Labels: children, pretend-play
posted by SensoryEdge
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Genius at Work
 Have a budding artist in the midst? A junior sculptor with busy hands? You will want to be sure to give your little Van Gogh or Michelangelo plenty of room to explore their creativity and complete their own masterpieces. Children have such incredible imaginations and you want them to try to hold on to that as long as they can. Remember all of those "great adventures" that you had as a child? Was there anything better than a great journey into a jungle, or being the most famous person in the world? No, of course not, and when you remember these times you probably get a smile on your face. Now it's your turn to help create that for your child. Arts and crafts are a great way for children to express themselves. Look how they smile when you put one of their pictures on the fridge, even though there is more paint on them than the picture. Or when you place his or her homemade pottery bowl, at least you think it's a bowl, not that it matters anyway, on display for everyone to see. Take the time to find an area for your child where they can paint on their own kid size easels or sit at an art table made just for kids. Though if you asked nicely they will probably let you sit with them at "their" table. The one in the picture is made by Alex Toys, they're known for their art products but also have a nice line of kids furniture. Setting up an area for their arts and crafts will put a grin on their face and a smile in your heart and there is nothing better than that. Labels: children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Setting Up A Great Outdoor Area For Your Kids
 Whether you are a parent or the proprietor of a day care for young children, a having a great area outdoors that is just right for kids is a must. Even if you do not have a whole lot of area to work with outside, you can really make a little bit of space go a long way. The nice thing about an outdoor area for kids is that you can get outside with them when the weather is nice and enjoy all sorts of activities. Many parents and babysitters also like to set up lunch and snack times outside to cut down on the messes that you have to deal with in the house. For such snack and lunch times, you can always look into the purchase of a nice picnic table with plenty of seating for kids. The Octagon Childrens Table by KidKraft is a fabulous choice that comes complete with stools and even a nice umbrella to provide some cover from the sun. Just right for children ages two and over, this table set has a great octagon shape and four stools perfect for sitting down and enjoying crafts and more. In addition to such a table area, it may also be a good idea to have some sort of play area that includes a sandbox or sand and water table for hours of fun. Add to that some ride along toys and you will really have an outdoor space that the children in your life will be thrilled to enjoy during all of the nice weather days during the year. Labels: children, outdoors
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, May 04, 2007
Is it Summer yet?
 It's almost that time of year again. You know, the time where the most often heard phrase is "I'm Bored". Yes, summer is great, but, as with anything else that is considered good, it does come with its own set of problems. For instance, when school is in session, you usually only have to deal with the full-blown "I'm bored" syndrome on the weekends. Made manageable with the knowledge that school starts again in two days. The fact that you are visiting SensoryEdge indicates that you know exactly where to go to get help. Browse through our large collection of educational toys, kids furniture, and outdoor play and you wont be disappointed. The weather in summer demands outdoor activities and truthfully, so do parents. Why not set up a Princess Castle Play Tent for your little princess and, of course, her royal court. The Secret Castle Bed Tent is also a great addition to her kingdom. She'll have dreams of handsome prince's, horse driven carriages, and tea parties with her royal puppet friends. Got a yard full of rowdy cowboys and Indians? Try the Giant Kid's Teepee Play House for hours of fun. What do you do when there is an excited group of hunters on the loose? Set up the Jungle Safari Tent and Tunnel Combo and round them up. The My Little Theater Puppet Playhouse is a great way for the kids to show off their "star potential". And what better way to encourage that potential than with the Star Dressing Room Play Tent either by itself or perhaps furnished with the KidKraft Diva Vanity and Stool. While SensoryEdge may not be able to completely cure the "I'm Bored" syndrome, it sure can help lessen the symptoms. Labels: children, outdoors, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, April 27, 2007
Better Learning Through Sensory Toys
If you have a little one or a crew of little ones that enjoy going outside and getting dirty, did you know that such play can actually help them work on all of their different sensory skills, such as their visual and tactile senses? There are actually a number of great Sensory Toys that you can get for your child that will give them the same feeling of getting dirty outside, but in a much more controlled setting. For a child who loves to dig and explore in a sandbox but the weather won't permit it all year round, investing in a sand and water tray might be a fabulous choice for you to make for your kids. A See-Thru Sand and Water Table is a great choice to make. This see-thru tub is deep but not so deep little arms and hands can't enjoy it and has a splash guard so it's handy to use inside or out. The deep tub can either be filled with sand or water and let your kids experiment by floating toys one day in water and then digging and burying them in the sand the next. It will create firm memories of wet and dry as well as textures of sand and water for your children. Your children may not be in school yet, but they are ready to explore and learn every waking moment. Give them toys that stimulate their minds and watch as they explore and create new imaginary worlds with a sand and water table. Labels: children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, April 16, 2007
Mom, I'm Bored!
 "I'm bored"; "There's nothing to do". Every parent, babysitter or care giver has heard this at least once, and more than likely more times than they can remember, from a child in their care. An adult may look at them and think how can they be bored? They have a room full of toys and activities. However, kids need stimulation and with a little help, they can learn to use their imaginations, and have endless opportunities for fun. Naturally, their age has something to do with their boredom, for example a school age child that has been inside a room all day probably needs something they can do outside or at least different from the "educational" atmosphere they have been in all day. For them you might try a playhouse of some kind. It could be a giant teepee, a princess castle or a space dome. A child that is not yet in school might benefit from something a little educational that will keep them active yet also may give them that "big kid" feeling too. A play mat of some sort is a favorite among kids. They can be used indoors or outdoors, and can be left out or put away until needed. Perhaps you can add a group of soft blocks sets by edushape or a group of infant/toddler soft toy cars. There are many choices for kids that are age appropriate. Having these types of toys and activities available will probably not let you avoid the "I'm bored" syndrome all together, but it will make it easier to satisfy that boredom. Labels: children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Should He Have That Toy?
It's tragic when a child is injured and it's even more so when that injury could have been prevented. Numerous studies have shown that a large contributor to childhood accidents comes when children play with gifts that are age inappropriate; or rather just too old for the child. A child of three will be well past putting small parts in his mouth, however a two year old may still be inclined to "taste test" some of her toys. Make sure that any gifts your child plays with are within the realm of what he or she can play with safely. If your child is given a toy that is age inappropriate, you can either exchange the toy for something your child can use now or put the toy away for a while until your child matures enough to play with it safely. If you're buying a toy for a child and you aren't sure exactly what to get, just stick to a rule that no child under the age of three should be given a toy with small removable parts or riding toys that go over 10MPH. Items such as kids wood puzzles, sturdy books, durably made toy cars for toddlers and colors & shapes games are usually hits with the under three crowd and they are items they can play and learn with safely. Make sure every toy that your child plays with is age appropriate and you'll keep every playtime a safe one and a fun one! Labels: children, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, April 09, 2007
The Fun of a Plasma Car
 If you have been looking at riding toys for your child and you want to get your little driver something that will both "go" and is also lot safer than a mini-ATV, check out a Plasma Car. A Plasma car requires no batteries or other power source, they are solely kid-powered. It's easy to operate too. All your child has to do is rotate the steering wheel from left to right and the car will move forward. It can also move in reverse and turns just as easily. Once your child learns the easy rhythm of operating Plasma car, you're going to have a hard time getting them off their new favorite toy to come in for dinner! In addition to being easy to operate, the Plasma car is built to last through many fun rides. It is constructed from state-of-the-art, high-quality ABS plastics which make it both light and durable for your children to use. The Plasma car has six wheels, a comfy seat, footrests and an easy to grip steering wheel. You can get a Plasma car in your little one's favorite color as it comes in blue, green, purple, and red. It's sleek like a race car and you don't have to worry as it doesn't go as fast as one. As with all riding toys, always make safety a priority and never let your child ride a Plasma car or any other riding toy unsupervised. This riding toy is age appropriate for children from three years old to twelve years of age and will hold up to 200LBS on its frame. Labels: children, ride-on-toy, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Friday, April 06, 2007
Hours Of Fun With Marble Maze
 Do you remember having a special toy from your childhood that you played with for hours upon hours? If so, as a parent you may just find that you are on the lookout for such a terrific toy for your child. While there are all sorts of truly incredible toys available for children of all ages today, there is something magnificent about all of the pieces that you can find in the Marble Maze line. Have you ever heard of Marble Maze? Well, once you get a chance to see just how much fun your children will have while using one, you are guaranteed to want to buy as many of them as you can possibly get your hands on. Some of the fun Marble Maze toys even come with the option for two players, which can lead to many hours filled with crazy fun. In addition to that, you can even feel great while knowing that these cool toys are wonderful because they help children to improve their precious fine motor skills. Whether you choose the Zoo, Barnyard, Star Marble Maze or other versions, you will see that playing around with magnets and mazes will be something that your child and their friends will always be interested in. All of these toys are even built to last and just right for bringing along in the car for long trips! Marble Maze is a fun toy that will bring joy to your child's life as well as yours for years to come. Labels: children, toys
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Give Them Their Own Place To Sit
 With terrific weather, you are bound to be heading out for all sorts of fun and exciting activities with your family. Perhaps you have somebody who is on a softball team and you will be checking out the games. There may also be all kinds of fishing trips and other nature adventures that you will be able to enjoy with some of your family members and friends. No matter where you go, you already know that it is easier if your children have a good spot where they can sit and relax. This is when something simple and innovative such as the Kids Folding Rocking Chair definitely comes in handy. Now, when you are out and about at certain activities, your child can sit in their very own seat instead of constantly fidgeting around. To make these chairs even better, not only are they colorful and fun, but they also rock and fold up for easy transport wherever you need to go. Whether you are sitting at home in the family room or out at a picnic on a beautiful day, these rockers by Hoohobbers are a must when you have children in the home. To make the folding rocking chair even more fun, you also have the option of personalizing it for the child. This can make a terrific gift on a holiday or for a birthday if you are looking for something special to give. You are guaranteed to see that all of your friends will be wondering where they can get a rocking chair just like it for their kids! Labels: children, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Thursday, March 29, 2007
Gear Up For Summertime Camping Trips And Sleepovers!
 When the warmer weather starts to roll around, it is only natural that families will begin to plan their outings and camping adventures. In addition to that, you may even find that your children will be invited to more than one sleep over during the summer months. Because the summer is filled with so many activities and memorable things to do, it is wise that you get a jump start on shopping for all of the gear that you need ahead of time. This way, you will not have to run around and look for anything at the last minute! Certainly, when it comes to the comfort of your child during camping trips and sleepovers, the best thing that you can get is a nice slumber bag that they can take along. The Cowgirl Horse Slumber Bag is just right for any little girl who likes to spend nights in the tent with the family or off to watch movies for the night at a slumber party with friends. This slumber bag really has everything that she will need, including a cute and cuddly detachable stuffed animal that can double as a pillow if she forgets to bring a separate one along with her. The slumber bag itself is plenty comfortable, made with some of the finest materials available. When she slips into this great sleep over or camping necessity, you will know that she will be warm and cozy all night long. A slumber bag is a must for every child! Labels: children, outdoors
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Bring the Creativity Outdoors!
 To a child, often times there is nothing that is worse than having to sit inside on a nice day. Any time that the weather is cooperating, you may want to think about bringing the kids out for a little bit of an activity. Sure, they can always hit the yard and run around wild for a bit, or you can look into getting them involved in something a little bit more creative. The next time that you are looking for a nice way to get the kids outside for a healthy adventure, think about taking an easel and some various painting supplies along with you. With a hearty supply of water based paints, utensils and a nice easel to use, there is no limit to the kinds of incredible paintings that a child can create outdoors. You can even work along with them and help them pick out different items around the perimeter of the yard that they can try to paint. Do you have more than one child? No problem! Look into one of the double-sided easels that are available for purchase and both of them can get in on all of the fun and creativity. Such a good time out in the fresh air is sure to get all of their creative juices flowing. The only thing you will have to worry about is collecting all of their supplies and utensils at the end of the day to make sure that they get back inside. Otherwise, the water based paints will be safe for plants and outside animals around your home in the case that anything gets spilled. Labels: children, outdoors
posted by SensoryEdge
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Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Outdoor Activity is Fun!
With childhood obesity at an all time high, it's very important for your children to run and play in order to get the necessary exercise their bodies need. Children that don't get adequate exercise can become lethargic, overweight and become candidates for Type II Diabetes. Making your child's outdoor excursions interesting. Make time to play with your kids every day. Instead of plopping in front of your computer or television screen after work, take a little time and go outside with your kids. Play catch with a ball, throw a Frisbee or make a fool of yourself with a hula hoop. Another way to make it fun is to give your kids a special place of their own to play, the Find Me Play Tent and Tunnel is a very fun play place that your children can have hours of fun in. This set is actually two pieces that has a tent for the kids to play in and there is also a tunnel for the kids to crawl and hide away in. The front door is zippered and the bottom has Velcro closures. The tunnel can be attached to the side of the tent or to a window. With safety always being a prime factor, the fabric this is made from is treated and meets CPAI-84 flame retardant specifications. This is a good sized tent and tunnel with the rough and ready dimensions being 51" x 51" floor x 43" high for the tent and 6 Feet long x 19" diameter for the tunnel. Labels: children
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Crafts And Activities At Their Level
There are so many times that as a parent you wished that you had a better place for all of your children and their friends to be able to enjoy various activities and craft projects. Right now, you probably try to section off a portion of the kitchen floor or set up the entire kitchen table or breakfast bar in order to let them create and explore. Unfortunately, this is not always the best way to keep such a mess contained. It is a given that a good portion of your things and furnishings end up with paint on them during more than one occasion. When you want to make sure that you have a nice little way to let your children explore and play, you could find that the best thing may be a great little table and chair set that happens to be just their size. Such a table and chair set will allow them to sit down, keep things at their level and feel free to play and create with their siblings or friends and have a really nice time. All the while you will not have to worry about your expensive tiles or kitchen table getting covered with glue, paint or glitter! For the little boys in your life, there is the Play Ball Table and Chair Set This cool set up comes with the cute little painted table along with a pair of chairs. Not only is this set colorful and unique, giving children a boost of creativity, it is also the perfect size for little ones to relax and work on crafts and projects. Labels: children, crafts
posted by SensoryEdge
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Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Any Time Of Year Can Be A Vacation Getaway
As adults, we know full well how incredible it can feel when counting down the days on the calendar to the next big vacation getaway. When you have children and you are planning a nice family getaway, your kids are sure to feel the same, especially if they are going to a new and interesting destination. No matter when your next family vacation is scheduled, there happens to be a terrific way that your kids can experience all of the fun and excitement that such an adventure can bring their way. If you happen to find that your kids are just dying for a fun vacation when there isn't one planned in the near future, you can help them to enjoy themselves with the Let's Go On Vacation dramatic play toy. This is one really cool toy that brings pretend play to a whole new and wonderful level. While helping them to use their imagination, this great play box gives your children the chance to plan out a boat trip, a flight in a plane or even hitting the rails on a train. Inside, the vacation play box has all sorts of goodies that will definitely spark imagination and interaction with their friends and family members. Just a few of the awesome accessories to be found in the play box include water balloons, sunglasses, travel tickets, binoculars, postcards, a map of the United States and more. You may even find that the addition of this pretend play gem will inspire your children to help you plan out all of your family vacations from now on! Labels: children, vacation
posted by SensoryEdge
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You Just Can't Beat A Bean Bag
If you were ever a child, or even a child at heart in your older years, then you are already well aware of just how great a bean bag can be. Growing up, the chances are really good that you had a bean bag yourself, either in your family room or in your bedroom. You might have even had more than one that you and your friends or siblings liked to hang out on while watching television, playing games and so on. Have you ever thought of bringing the fun, convenience and comfort of a bean bag into your own home for your children now that you are all grown up? Today, there are just tons of different designs that are great for children of any age. Whether you have a toddler, a teen or even a range of ages within your household, bean bags are truly a fun and easy way for your kids to feel comfortable while enjoying many of their favorite indoor activities. Do you normally have a fun movie night at home with the family? If so, a couple of bean bags to match your living room decor can be a nice way for the kids to relax with the adults. This way, the children have a cozy way to hunker down for the movie and mom and dad can snuggle up and enjoy the film! Playing video games, reading in their room or even just hanging with friends are all terrific occasions to break out the bean bags. All you have to do is find a great bean bag design that your kids will love! Labels: children, kids
posted by SensoryEdge
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Monday, February 12, 2007
Bring The Farm Indoors
How many times have you had to sing the "Old MacDonald" song to your children? If you are anything like the millions of other parents in homes across the country, then the chances are pretty good that you have had to sing it over and over again. You may even be able to recite all of the lyrics in your sleep because you know them so well. When you live in an area of the country that does not have any farmland that you can bring your children to, you can always bring the farm to them indoors! Yes, although it sounds a bit funny, you can simulate farm life within the comfort of your own home with the Jumbo Farm Animals set. This set crafted by Learning Resources is a magnificent way to interact with your children while showing them all about some of the different animals that can be found on just about any farm. You can even set up your very own barnyard on the table while you help them learn all about the sounds that the various animals make as well as all of the contributions that they make during everyday life on the farm. Talk with your children and let them know how the cows provide milk and the rooster wakes up early in the morning to get everyone else up as well. Then, you can show them the cute pink pig, the sheep with a full coat of wool, the goat with horns, and the majestic horse. Add to that the wonderful goose and you are going to have a terrific time with pretend play on the farm along with your kids. Labels: children
posted by SensoryEdge
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