It takes a village to raise a child they say.
Before I had children, I was always curious as to why this quote came about.
Sure children can be a lot of work but a village really?
Now I totally get it.
As kids get older and older, your role as a parent is not only to be their provider, comforter, kisser of boo-boos, personal chef, diaper changer (I can go on FORever), but also to do your part in making sure they continue to learn each day.
Molding their wings as I say.
As absorbent as these little sponges can be, they can also get quite bored if play is not part of their day-to-day activities.
So, finding the right type of toy that will keep your child engaged, learning and having fun is key.
When we purchase toys for our children, one of the things that we make sure is that we're purchasing quality products. They're kids! Something will be bound to break or topple over putting not only them in danger physically, but *cough* putting dad and mom's wallet in danger too.
Do you know how much we spent on toys alone solely because of poor construction? What a waste!
My daughter turned 4 a couple of months ago and instead of putting her into JK, we made the conscious decision to home-school her for this year.
Another contributing factor to this was because our newly born son just happened to grace us with his presence the same week she was to start school. It was very tough to accommodate both schedules at the time, so this truly was the best choice.
One of the best items we added to our pseudo-classroom in the rec room (aka children's playroom), was the Janod Graffiti 3-in-1 Adjustable Easel with Magnetic Dry Erase and Chalkboard from Mastermind Toys.
Going back to what I was talking about when I mentioned quality items, Mastermind Toys is just about the embodiment of top-notch toys.
They are a specialty toy retailer that provides educational toys, books, games and so much more!
They choose products that awaken creativity, encourage curiosity, enhance motor skills, develop imagination, challenge thinking and offer children hours of fun!
QUAL-I-TY.
So I began to incorporate our new Janod Easel into our daily "class" and it has really helped with engaging our little girl in her learning.
She enjoys writing on the chalkboard (it makes her feel like she's really in-class), doodling and writing on the dry erase board and another thing we love about this easel -- the top of the easel has a paper roll that comes down so she can paint or draw and you can just cut it off and keep to hang.
There's so much included with the Janod 3-in-1 Easel including: adjustable easel with magnetic dry erase board and blackboard, box of 5 white chalk pieces and 5 coloured chalk pieces, 6 magnets, magnetic paper holder, roll of 18" easel paper, eraser, dry erase marker, 2 no-spill paint pots, removable red tray.
The only thing you have to watch for with smaller kids is the residue from the chalk. The chalk board and dry erase board need to be cleaned with a damp cloth often as it does tend to leave some leftover staining.
You'll have to check out the product on their website! To read more, click here.
The Janod Graffiti 3-in-1 Adjustable Easel with Magnetic Dry Erase and Chalkboard retails for $64.95 CDN but truly worth every penny. It grows with your child and also a great keepsake.
I think I'd even use it in the kitchen area after the kids get too big to write down daily menus, quotes, messages, etc. Just add a little of your own paint and there you go!
Cool idea, huh?!
To learn more about Mastermind Toys, visit them at: www.mastermindtoys.com.
So, if the thought of running out and purchasing one of these babies aren't exciting enough for you, here's something that may help!
Courtesy of Mastermind Toys, one lucky CAC reader is eligible to win a $50 Gift Card to Mastermind Toys.
To be eligible, simply enter via rafflecopter below.
**OPEN TO CANADIANS only**
Ends February 8th.
