If you caught my recent post you will know that Miss Marnie and I are on the Chad Valley Play Panel (read about it HERE). This means we get to play with some toys, games and crafts and I get to call it work.
Not that it has felt like work as I have been using this opportunity to really understand how important ‘playtime’ is – for both of us. My busy days – like most working mums – is filled will work deadlines, school runs, chores and that general day to day stuff (laundry pile anyone?) which often means I find it hard to slot in some proper sit-down time to play with Miss M.
And, it’s something I am very conscious of and am slowly rectifying. Because, like Chad Valley (see its manifesto below) I believe imaginative play is important for children – and if adults can get in on that with their children too that can only be a good thing.
Miss M loves nothing better than playing shops – just as I did as child so this Chad Valley Premium Contactless Cash Register was of course, an instant hit. It comes with just enough play food, money and a contactless credit card to get the fun started.
YES – it bright plastic. YES – its noisy. YES – it’s a little too big for her toy box. But, YES YES YES it has provided just the right amount of playtime for Miss M to use her imagination, keep her interested for the suggested 15 minutes (and then some) and also meant I could play along too.
Playing with this cash register meant Miss M practised her manners (good morning miss, how can I help you?), her counting skills (with the play money) and of course, a little role playing on both parts helps her with her social skills and I mean who doesn’t love an excuse to play shops and shout down the microphone (‘spill on aisle 5, can someone check out the back for… and on offer today we have…).
Go on take 15 minutes out of your day to really get down and play – you never know you may just like it! I know we (I) did…
V. I. BE HONEST: As part of my work on the Chad Valley Play Panel we are sent a selection of toys to review on here. All thoughts, words and pictures are my own work.
