Baby shoes are beyond adorable, but in truth, they are not necessary. In fact, they may hinder your toddler’s development with walking.
When a baby is born, the bones in their feet are still hardening. Wearing shoes at such a young age may alter their developmental growth, conforming the foot to the shape of the shoe rather than the needs of their environment. In addition, thick soles found in some shoes restrict the range of movement necessary to learn how to walk.
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Since our post “The Importance of Play“, we have received a few questions regarding the use of screen time. Here is a quick cheat sheet if you are in the middle of the screen time battle.
What is screen time?
Screen time refers to any sedentary activity involving the use of visual electronic media. Examples include: smart phones, tablets, computers, televisions, and video games. Little to no physical effort is utilized during screen time.
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Following up on this week’s Tactile Response post, here is a fun activity to try. This can be done with children of all ages and helpful for those who may have an over-responsive tactile system. This activity gradually introduces various substances or textures.
Materials:
We all know what Play-Doh® is…that yellow container filled with that non-sticky, clay-like dough, ready to be molded into whatever our little hearts desired. What we didn’t recognize was all the benefits we gained when playing with it.
Aside from letting us create anything our imagination wanted, we were indirectly developing the strength and coordination in our arms, hands, and fingers necessary to complete fine motor tasks. Hmmm…wonder if that was Play-Doh®’s intention?
(Side note: It wasn’t. It was originally sold as a wallpaper cleaner in the 1930s.)
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If I asked you what children do, “play” would be one of the top 3 answers.
But what is play exactly? It’s more than just a child engaging with toys or running around with other kids. It’s real work.
Play can be defined as “any spontaneous or organized activity that provides enjoyment, entertainment, amusement, or diversion.” It is an occupation that is intrinsically driven by curiosity and exploration to interact within their surroundings. It allows for imagination, the ability to pretend with limited consequences, as well as the opportunity to share and act out ideas other with no judgment.
Notice that I said play was an occupation.
Yes, PLAY is an important job that a child does from birth to 12 years of age.
When a child plays:
