Psychologists now understand the profound importance of free play in the developing child's life.  It strengthens social and cognitive skills like self-regulation, competence, impulse-control, verbal skills, to name a few.

Imaginitive play will flourish without much intervention from adults.  Get a couple children together--friends or silblings--and give them a few basic "props" and watch them go.  Step in only to keep them safe.  Don't put all the toys out at once. Check our book for examples of "Toys in Reserve" that you can bring out on occasion, so no one becomes tired of them.

WHO NEEDS PLASTIC TOYS?

Give the kids some of these.  No bells and whistles, just the basic building blocks of play.

-Large cardboard boxes. The bigger the better, but doll-sized boxes work, too.

-Empty laundry baskets

-A small table or nightstand, or 2.. (It's fun to see what tables "become.")  Add a table cloth if you'd like.

-Large wooden blocks for building (Often called unit blocks)

-A bunch of scarves or bandanas

-Stuff from your recycle bin. (yogurt tubs, egg cartons)

-Pillows, a bunch of

-Drape a large flat sheet over the backs of several dining room chairs, arranged in the living room.  Instant fort, tent, cave, castle...race car pit ?