67,000 Pediatricians. Millions of Families.
A REVOLUTION in PLAY!
Open-ended play is essential for children’s healthy growth and development. That’s why we are so excited to be teaming up with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to make play a way of life!
Parenting has always had its challenges, but the rise of technology over the past decade and the sense that children have less time and space to just be kids have added new concerns. We’re all trying to figure out how to best navigate our family’s screen use and forge meaningful connections with one another. But there’s good news.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Melissa & Doug are here to help! We’ve joined forces to champion the benefits of open-ended play and to give parents and caregivers the tools to make it an essential, skill-building part of children’s lives. Read the full press release about this alliance.
3 PRINCIPLES of Healthy PLAY
- Prioritize Hands-On Play
- Enjoy Screen-Free Time
- Interact & Connect Through Play
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WHAT we
BELIEVE
At Melissa & Doug, our work is based on a set of core beliefs about childhood.
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Get your guide With skill-building play ideas, expert advice, and the latest research on healthy child development, we’ll give you the tools to make open-ended play a way of life! SIGN UP NOW with the form on this page, to receive occasional newsletters as well as your free Power of Play 44-page digital guide. sign up!
High-quality toys in each of these categories can facilitate caregiver-child interactions, peer play, and the growth of imagination. - The American Academy of Pediatrics
Problem Solving
Problem-solving play encourages logical thinking, goal setting, and patience
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Language & Concepts
Letter play advances sight-reading, vocabulary, and spelling skills
explore the toys
WHAT'S next
Here's a sneak peek at what we're planning!
“Play to the Rescue” Ideas
Age-By-Age Guides
Proven Play Advice
This podcast, hosted by Melissa and Dr. Jenny Radesky, a developmental behavioral pediatrician, offers practical advice and solutions to common parenting concerns
