5 Ways to Encourage Imaginative Play

Recently, Fisher Price sent me 5 of their new Little People® characters, and it got me thinking about how important it is for kids to use their imaginations when they play.  In an age of technology, I worry that my boys aren't going to benefit from play as much as my generation did.  So, today I am sharing 5 ways to encourage imaginative play:

1) Get crafting - Always have an array of craft supplies available.  Kids love to create, and crafting is a great way for little ones to express themselves.

2) Have a dress up box - Dressing up is a great way for kids to play and use their imaginations.  You'll be amazed by the adventures they go on when they put on a hat or costume.

3) Limit screen time - TVs and computers are fine in moderation, but young kids need lots of time to play, read, and use their imaginations.

4) Get outside - Remember when we were kids, and we spent a lot of time (outside) coming up with ways to amuse ourselves?  Little ones need to get outside, run around, build forts, and dig in the dirt. 

5) Provide the right toys - Toys that offer children the ability to use their imaginations and make up their own stories are fantastic.  I love our Little People®, toy kitchen, cash register, farm stuff, and cars.

All three of my boys played with the Fisher Price Little People®.  They are a great tool for imaginative play, and there are now FIVE new characters with their own characteristics (Eddie, Mia, Sofie, Tessa, and Koby) that you can read about here.  My boys love "Eddy" because he is an active boy (with lots of energy) who likes to go-go-go.  He also likes sports, running, jumping, and anything with a ball.  My boys are non-stop, and they love sports.  I think if I had a fourth son, his name would have to be Eddy.  :-)

You might also be interested to know that in October and November, Treehouse will hold the Little People, Big Discoveries contest.  Contestants will be able to play a hide and seek game to find new characters on playsets, watch the videos and be entered to win 1 of 5 $265 Little People Prize packs.  You can find all the details here.

There is nothing I love more than seeing my boys using their imaginations, making up stories, and pretending.  How do you encourage imaginative play in your house?

♥
Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

“Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group; however, the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.”

A Little Cuteness to Brighten your Day... and a fun contest from Fisher-Price

Is there anything cuter than a smiling, happy baby?  Isn't a baby giggle the best sound in the whole world?  (You can find the greatest {totally cute} video of my son's "baby laugh" here.)

my youngest son's adorable baby grin

I am also a big fan of big toothless grins, aren't you?  Babies just seem to smile with their whole face.

Fisher-Price understands that a baby's first few smiles, giggles and whole-hearted belly laughs are the ones we don’t ever want to forget, and they have launched a fun new Laugh & Learn site (Fisherprice.ca > Brands > Laugh & Learn) that offers webisodes, fun games and activities.

And... to celebrate the launch of this new site, Fisher-Price will be hosting an AMAZING new contest called the Best Little Laugh!  This contest will be celebrating all those insanely-cute, over-the-top-adorable smiles, giggles and laughs.  Sound fun?  The contest runs from May 20, 2013 to July 15, 2013 and is open to Canadian Residents.  Get the photos and videos of your little ones ready, and head over to the Fisher-Price site to enter.  You can find all the details here.

Good luck!

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group. The opinions on this blog {of course} are my 100% my own.

Fisher Price Favorites

Fisher-Price just came out with a list of 12 Fisher-Price Favourites and it got me thinking about the Fisher-Price products that were (and continue to be) part of my boys' childhoods.  I think every mom has her own favourites, and I have two:  the Little People Animal Sounds Farm and the Ocean Wonders Aquarium.

My three year old playing with his Little People Animal Sounds Farm {and other farm stuff}

My favorite toys are those that allow little ones to pretend and use their imaginations, and the Little People Animal Sounds Farm definitely fits this criteria.  I can't help smiling when I think about all the times my boys "played farm" with each other, and I love that my three year old still frequently asks me to help him set up his animals.  If you have little ones, I highly recommend investing in this one.

And if you are still in the "baby" phase, you should consider the Ocean Wonders Aquarium.  When my boys were babies, they always went to sleep to the sounds of their Ocean Wonders Aquarium, and I remember listening to its calming music on the baby monitor while I crossed my fingers for three full hours of sleep.  :-)  All three boys loved our aquarium... and we were all sad to say good bye to it when my youngest moved to his "big boy bed".

My three year old "helping" take down his crib

What are your Fisher-Price Favourites?  Did they make the official list?  The list includes:

1.    Ocean Wonders Aquarium

2.    My Little Snugabunny Cradle N Swing

3.    Infant to Toddler Rocker

4.    SpaceSaver High Chair

5.    Discover’n Grow Jumperoo

6.    Brilliant Basics Rock a Stack

7.    Laugh & Learn Love to Play Puppy

8.    Laugh & Learn Say Please Tea Set

9.    Laugh & Learn Click ‘n Learn Remote

10. Brilliant Basics Stroll-Along Walker

11. Little People Wheelies Stand ‘ n Play Rampway

12. Little People Animal Sounds Farm

You can read more about these favorites on the Fisher-Price Site.

♥ 

Gina Bell (aka East Coast Mommy)

* You can find me on facebook here.

“Disclosure: I am part of the Fisher-Price Blogger Campaign with Mom Central Canada and I receive special perks as part of my affiliation with this group; however, the opinions on this blog are 100% my own.”