The appeal of traditional toys is timeless. As parents, we often fondly remember our own childhoods, filled with friends and the simple joy of physical toys. Those memories are precious, and many of us adults even enjoy collecting toys today, seeing them as tangible links to our past and cherished memories. It's truly "en vogue" to appreciate the toys that shaped us!

But in today's digital world, it's easy for kids to get lost in screens. I, along with many child development experts, strongly believe that children spend too much time on digital devices and not enough time engaging with physical toys. Why does this matter? Because physical toys are incredible tools that encourage kids to use *their own* imaginations, problem-solve, and interact with the world around them.

The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees, discouraging media use for children younger than 2 and recommending limiting older children's screen time to no more than one or two hours a day. Their research links excessive screen time to:

• Obesity
• Irregular Sleep
• Behavioral Problems
• Impaired Academic Performance
• And even violence!

It's easy for your child's total screen time to add up without you realizing it.

Here's how you can gently shift the balance:

• Monitor and Talk: Start tracking screen time, and have an open conversation with your child about the importance of being active and engaging with the real world. Establish clear screen time rules and stick to them.
• Share Your Memories: Introduce them to toys from your own youth. Share memories of the good times you had with friends or siblings playing with those very toys. This not only builds strong bonds but also encourages them to discover the magic of imaginative play themselves.

Discover the Joy of Hands-On Play!

Looking for great alternatives to screens? Here are some fantastic options that foster creativity, critical thinking, and quality family time:

• Puzzles: From simple jigsaws to complex brain teasers, puzzles enhance problem-solving and fine motor skills.
• Building Bricks & Model Kits: These are perfect for nurturing creativity and crucial STEM skills. Working on a model kit or building with bricks together is a wonderful way to interact and strengthen your bond.
• Dolls & Action Figures: These classic toys spark endless storytelling and imaginative scenarios. Who knows, maybe you can play Megatron and your child can be Optimus Prime, creating epic battles right on the living room carpet!
• Diecast Cars: These encourage imaginative play, whether racing, collecting, or creating elaborate car chases.

At LI Toy & Game in Kings Park, we're passionate about helping families rediscover the joy of traditional play. We feature a wide variety of new (as well as rare vintage) toys, games, puzzles, and model kits. We often see parents bring their children in, only to find the kids unsure what to pick – a common symptom of too much screen time. This provides you with a great opportunity to take charge as a parent! Find something you think you'll *both* enjoy doing. Whether it's starting an action figure collection together, tackling a challenging jigsaw puzzle, or building a detailed model kit, these activities create shared experiences and lasting memories.

Whether you find that perfect item here at our little store, or elsewhere, the most important thing is to **reduce screen time** and **increase meaningful interaction** with your children. Let's encourage more real-world play!