They never seem to get that much use. The odd shake here and there, but rarely any prolonged investigation. The best you can hope for is a quick bash and perhaps a chew when plucked from the treasure basket. But rattles have been around for millennia. There must be something special about them. And, of […]
Why do we give babies rattles? Read More »
Do you ever find yourself scouring the internet, searching for ways to fill an afternoon? Did any of it work? Google ‘activities for toddlers’ and here’s what you’ll get: You spend hours finding the resources, buying just the right-sized tray from IKEA, making it look beautiful and then presenting it to your toddler. Cue squeals
Do you worry your child can’t sit still for more than a few minutes? Will she struggle to concentrate when she starts school? How can you help your child to focus? Rightly or wrongly, being able to ‘sit nicely’ is a behaviour that most teachers will reward with praise, not only because it’s quite stressful
Help your child to focus Read More »
A newspaper clipping of my grandmother offering water to a British soldier during the troubles in Cyprus. It’s the only photograph I have of her during this time. As part of our site redesign we’re updating our manifesto, which has been sitting, unloved, in a quiet corner for the past three years. I’m having to
The 100 Toys Story Read More »
How do you play with your child? Do you sit back and let her play at your feet or are you an active participant? Both approach have their merits, but they can have very different outcomes. As you know, we are great advocates of independent play. It teaches creativity, resilience and a can-do attitude. But
Help your child to problem-solve with ‘sustained shared thinking’ Read More »
We hear a lot about teaching children to read too early, and it’s certainly true that it’s not right for every child. Your child will get to grips with phonics, but she might not be ready until she starts school. If this sounds like your child, don’t worry, there is plenty of time. Leave it
An introduction to phonics Read More »
As back-to-front as it may sound for us to say it, you’ll definitely hear us say it plenty: children have too many toys. As parents, we see first hand just how many they accumulate. Birthdays, Christmas, trips to the supermarket, freebies on the front of magazines and treats from Grandma – they all add up.
Three Goodies and a Baddie: Tell Almost Any Story with Just a Handful of Figures Read More »
All your baby really needs in the first few months of their life is you. The model and appetite for exploration, discovery and skills that you establish with them now has far-reaching impact on their emotional intelligence and academic success in later life. But there is no need for Beethoven CDs and dull educational flashcards.
You are your child’s first toy Read More »
With every new arrival to the 100 Toys household (we’re now on baby number four), I become more convinced of the importance of the so-called fourth trimester. The fourth trimester is another name for the first few months of a baby’s life; its proponents believe that when human babies are born they’re pretty unprepared for
Believing in the fourth trimester Read More »
The first day at school is exciting, a chance for new friends and new adventures. There are sure to be a few worries and wobbles before the big day but with this simple guide you can be sure it will pass off smoothly. Posts in this series: Starting School Series | Read More Children must
Starting School Guide Read More »