Gifting for Children : A LeapFrog Interview

 I was recently contacted with an exciting opportunity to interview Dr. Jody Sherman Levos, math and science development expert of LeapFrog’s Learning Team. Dr. LeVos works on products across all platforms to teach math and science concepts in developmentally appropriate ways using research-based techniques. Before joining LeapFrog, she was a visiting scholar at the University of California, Berkeley, a researcher and instructor, and a math textbook author. She earned her doctorate in developmental psychology (specializing in mathematical and cognitive development) at the University of Alberta, in Canada. 

She answered a few questions about how to properly choose toys for babies, toddlers and young children in the interview below: {And yes, that is me asking questions and as per usual, talking way too fast!}

To reiterate some of the key takeaways were: 
The 4 factors that we should consider as we choose toys for our children include

a. Quality (durability)

b. Age Appropriateness - developmentally are they meeting their cognitive/physical/social-emotional needs?

c. "Fun Factor". Do they come back to these toys again and again?

4. Educational

Always review and consider age guidelines but don't choose strictly on this information. YOU know your child better than anyone else. That said, close attention must be paid to safety standards of course!

Toys that are "too advanced" may cause frustration for your child. 

TIP: Put it away and bring it back out! 

{I know I have done this both with Ava's toys and with toys that used to belong to either Isabella or Julian. It always seems to work. Everything old is new again.}

A neat resource for parents can be found at www.leapfrog.com/best.toys

And lastly, and perhaps most importantly, toys should always allow children to:

PLAY, HAVE FUN and LEARN.

Look out for a fun giveaway from LeapFrog on the blog SOON!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored opportunity provided to me based on my affiliation with LeapFrog as part of the LeapFrog Parent Group. No monetary compensation was provided and all opinions are strictly my own.