=go out and play=

The type of play kids are engaging in could be harmful? There is a play crisis? I'm home sick...again..today and I watched the Today Show this morning....this being their main topic. Did anyone else see it? Anyways, I found it to be very interesting.

Pop Quiz: What is better for your kids? Playing with the latest educational toys or blowing bubbles?

A: bubbles

My initial reaction....what? You think that it would be the educational toys, however, studies have come to show that those toys are actually hindering their ability to develope their own imagination and creativity. Kids have lost up to 12 hours of free play time a week! How crazy is that? Some schools have decreased or completely elimiated recess! Thinking back to my elementary school days, I can't imagine not having recess. Those contained some of the best times with my friends. In fact, I remember more about what happened are recess than actually in the classroom.

We haven't really hit the age with Hailey where we are using a lot of the electronic educational toys. The only thing I can really think of would be Baby Einstein and a few toys that say colors and such. Nothing else major. We play with blocks, puzzles, books, and her baby doll. Kids need to play...and it's so sad to live in a world where parents are too busy or overwhelmed to take the time to play with their kids or not give them the time to play at all. All I remember from my childhood is play time. Sad. Hopefully the show today opened up some parents eyes.

If you didn't happen to see it, here is the link below.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26421059#26421059

On a side note....they are showing the gadgets that kids need when going back to school. (funny isn't it after my last couple paragraphs lol) But serousiously...a chrome calculator belt buckle? What the heck? That's all I have to say about that....

http://www.krunker.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/villagestreetwear-1974-105032615.jpg