2024-11-23T09:12:28+01:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ 2023-06-02T00:00:00+02:00 2023-06-02T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/exciting-adventures-all-summer-long Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ Welcome to the exciting world of toys & games for this summer! The sun is shining, the summer school break is just around the corner and it's time to get the latest popular toys for unlimited outdoor fun. Whether your kids are at the beach, in the garden or in the park, we've compiled the hottest toy trends for summer 2023 here. Come on, let's take a look! Water Toys Summer is unthinkable without hours spent in the water! From inflatable paddling pools to XXL-sized water blasters, get the coolest water toys to enjoy the hottest summer days. Indulge in splash-filled adventures and wild water battles with your friends. Outdoor Sports Trampolines, soccer goals, basketball hoops and sports nets are perfect for those who enjoy active outdoor sports in the summer. And who knows, you might even discover a passion for a new sport. Creative Garden Toys The warm summer months are perfect for children to express their creativity in the outdoors. Intricate sandcastles can be built with moulds, rakes and shovels while chalk can be used to create colourful works of art on driveways and sidewalks. Perhaps even a spot of gardening for budding gardeners? Interactive Board Games Board games and card games are a great way to spend long summer evenings. From exciting games of skill to fast-paced card games and board games that demand cooperation and tactics, there are countless ways to spend unforgettable hours in the company of family and friends. Research & Experiments How do earthworms burrow through the soil? What birds live in the garden? How can you start a campfire without a match? The summer holidays are perfect for carrying out exciting experiments and observing nature up close. Embark on new adventures every day this summer and make it an unforgettable experience!

2022-09-23T00:00:00+02:00 2022-09-23T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/kitchen-adventures-for-children Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ The kitchen is a magical place for many children. The adults in their lives spend a lot of time in the kitchen peering mysteriously steaming pots, mixing things up and conjuring up delicious dishes. It's only natural that little ones would like to help! Here are a few tips for safely allowing children to tackle tasks in the kitchen. Help them improve their motor skills, promote social skills and strengthen their self-confidence by giving them small tasks they can do to help out. Where should I start? Cooking begins with shopping. Teach your kids where to find certain foods in the supermarket, and show them how to check whether fruits or veggies are ripe. Find your way around the kitchen Good preparation is everything! That's why it's worth setting up your own work station at a comfortable height for your children. Show your children where bowls, spoons and other utensils are stored. You can also teach your children how and where to store food, whether in the fridge (like milk) or in dark, cool places (like potatoes). First things first First, you wash your hands thoroughly before you start preparing your food. Take off your jewellery or watch, tie up your hair and put on an apron to protect your clothes from stains. If you happen to have a chef's hat, it's time to put it on! Start safe Sharp knives do not belong in the inexperienced hands of kiddos, so make sure you have dull knives or knives specially designed for children. Stoves and ovens are also dangerous for small children. Make sure to explain why children should be careful around the stove or oven, so they understand what to look out for. Choose child-friendly recipes Kids are easy to help but tend to lose interest quickly, so make sure to choose a dish that isn't too complicated to make. Making starter dishes is a perfect task for little ones! Try making a fruit salad or simple snacks. Age appropriate tasks: Age Task 2 years old Wash fruit and vegetables, fetch ingredients, use biscuit cutters 3 years old Help set the table, cut soft foods with a butter knife 4 years old Cut firmer fruit and vegetables, cook (supervised) on the stove (stir, add spices, etc.) 5 years old Peel vegetables, weigh ingredients 6 years old Chop solid ingredients with a knife, prepare simple dishes without help 10 to 12 years old Cook with supervision on the stove, handle raw meat and raw fish Be prepared for a little mess Just keep in mind that little ones don't always colour in the lines, but encourage them to help you clean up! Children can wipe down counters, help load the dishwasher, and dispose of waste and recycling, teaching them about all the work that goes into a meal. Don't be stingy with your time Rejoice that your children are showing interest in cooking! Your recipes may not always turn out, but with plenty of encouragement and a good attitude, you'll still have a great time cooking together! Don't rush the process and just enjoy the time together.

2022-07-28T00:00:00+02:00 2022-07-28T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/keep-cool-during-the-hot-summer Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ When the sun is out in the summer, our homes can quickly turn into ovens! If you're looking for a few ideas on how to keep cool during the hot summer, you've come to the right place! Here are a few refreshing ideas to help get you through the hottest season. Have a pool party A few of you lucky ducks may have your own backyard pools, but even a paddling pool makes a big difference when it comes to cooling off. Don't have a paddling pool? Fill a laundry basket with water for your little ones and let them enjoy a splash in lukewarm water. Make sure to place your pool in a shady location so you can cool off without getting a sunburn! Refreshing fun Combine cooling off with a bit of exercise! Sprinklers and slip-and-slides only need to be connected to a garden hose before the games can begin! If you're looking for an action-packed activity, get out your favourite super soakers and have a water battle with your friends! Wet your wash cloths! A cold foot bath works wonders when it's hot out! Cooling your feet helps cool the entire body and helps get your circulation going. Placing a wet wash cloth on your face or lower arms also helps you cool off quickly, plus little ones love sucking on a wet cloth. Take a siesta In the warmer countries of the world, it's common to take a break during the hot midday. Take this as an example and try to change your daily rhythm. Save sweaty work and important projects for the early morning, when temperatures are still bearable. At noon, rest and conquer smaller tasks. Stay hydrated When we sweat during the summer, we lose valuable liquids. Children should drink at least 2 litres of water a day. Try adding peppermint or fruit slices to water or serve diluted fruit juices, and homemade iced tea. Just remember that black and green teas contain caffeine, which can be unhealthy for children. Keep your strength up! A balanced breakfast is particularly important on hot days. Dairy products provide the body with energy, while peppers, tomatoes, melons, pineapples and other fruits and vegetables with a high water content have a refreshing effect on the body. Light fare is recommended for lunch, as soups and mixed salads fill you up without exhausting your body. Tip: Simply mix the yoghurt and frozen fruit together in a blender to make your own tasty frozen yoghurt! Dress for the heat The perfect summer outfit is loose fitting and made of cotton or linen. These air-permeable fabrics are comfortable to wear and protect you from harmful UV radiation. Lighter colours that absorb less sunlight and don't heat up as much are also recommended. Protective headgear is a good idea for people of all ages. Hot nights Store away your duvets and switch to breathable linen sheets in the summer. A good trick for cooler nights is to fill a hot water bottle with cold water and put it between your legs as you fall asleep. Block out the light Close your curtains and blinds once the sun starts to come up to keep the heat out. Open the windows in the evening to let out cool air, and keep an eye out for hidden sources of heat like dryers, hobs, televisions, computers and other devices. It's better to switch off your devices completely than to leave them in standby mode. The playPolis team wishes you a nice summer! Enjoy the sun, treat yourself to a great holiday and leave your worries behind!

2022-06-23T00:00:00+02:00 2022-06-23T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/summer-holidays Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ Summer holidays are just around the corner, and for some of us, that means a bit of stress. Some of us probably start sweating at the thought of tired children, endless traffic jams, and the realisation that you forgot something important at home. Don't worry! Here's a few tips for ensuring a successful getaway. Plan your holiday together Plan your holiday with your kids. Ask specifically about their interests and include them in your plans. If you look at pictures and information about sightseeing in advance, your kids will know what to expect, and will be able to appreciate the sights more if they already recognise them from pictures. Accommodation Sure, we all need a cosy bed to sleep in, but how important is the proximity to the beach, bus stops, attractions and the nearest restaurant? Is there a disco next door that will keep you awake all night? Is there a pool for a quick cool down? Can you borrow buggies/bicycles/prams? If you investigate early, you'll not be disappointed later. Safety first Don't panic, but it's important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Inquire about medical care at the resort. Do you have health insurance that also covers costs incurred abroad? For exotic travel destinations, speak to your family doctor and paediatrician in advance about what you may need to prepare for. Your pack list Pack your bags in advance, so you're not stressed last minute. Less is often more, especially on summer holidays. Here are a few things you should definitely take with you: Cash - in case you can't use cards A smartphone - for navigation, ticket booking, online banking, entertainment, and photos The matching charger + adapter to stay powered up Passport - make sure it hasn't expired! Sun cream + sun hat + after-sun lotion - your skin will thank you Provisions for the journey - a tasty snack and drinks Toys/compact games - for bad weather and cosy evenings A small first-aid kit - preferably in your hand luggage Plan for plenty of time Plan enough buffer time to ensure that everything goes smoothly on your travel day. If you are travelling by car, it is worth leaving as early as possible. This saves you the traffic jam and your kiddos might be able to sleep through part of the ride. Or, leave the car at home and take the train - it's environmentally friendly and is fun for your little ones. Get the lay of the lad Check out your new accommodations! How do you get to the pool? Where are toilets? When is breakfast? Establish a meeting place in case someone gets lost. Go easy on the activities Don't plan too many activities in one day. Children need enough free time to play and relax. Take your time to settle in and occasionally plan a full day of lazing around. Go with the flow Your plans of going to the zoo, seeing a few attractions and visiting a few historical sights may be perfectly planned, but your kids aren't interested? See if you can compromise and change your museum plans to a different day, or just save that event for a future trip. All-inclusive An all-inclusive holiday promises total relaxation when you don't have to worry about a thing. Nevertheless, pull yourself together and leave the facility to go exploring - there are sure to be all sorts of things to discover! Many travel companies also offer exciting day trips directly from the hotel. Make memories Try keeping a travel diary packed with photos, small souvenirs and a few personal words. When you look back on your holiday in the future, it will help you remember your favourite events. You have a plan, you're organised, the weather is looking good! One last piece of advice: when you're not stressed, your kids won't be stressed. Stay calm and have a wonderful trip! We wish you all the best on your summer adventures and hope you come back rested and refreshed.

2022-05-31T00:00:00+02:00 2022-05-31T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/dinomania-on-the-trail-of-primaeval-giant-lizards Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ The era of the dinosaurs ended on our planet about 65 million years ago, but our fascination with the life of prehistoric lizards is still unbroken. T-Rex etc. are particularly popular with children. So you don't get embarrassed when talking shop with your little Dino fans, we're going on a journey through time to a world long gone. We'll also present you with a who's who of the most popular specimens. Name search It was the British naturalist Sir Richard Owen who gave the dinosaurs their name. It's composed of the Greek words deinos (terrible) and sauros (lizard). The "terrible lizards" belong to the group of sauropsids - reptiles as well as birds that lived on land, in the air and in the water. When a new dinosaur is discovered, it is usually named after the person who discovered it (Megalosaurus bucklandi) or after the place where it was found (Argentinosaurus). Around the world At the time of the dinosaurs there were no continents, but a single, connected landmass (Pangaea). Over time, the tectonic plates drifted apart - with the dinosaurs living on them carried away. That's why today dinosaur bones can be found all over the world. Everything has an end We cannot say with certainty what started the demise of the primaeval lizards. It was probably the impact of a huge meteorite that triggered rapid climate change. It could also have been multiple eruptions of mega-volcanoes in quick succession, sea levels falling too quickly, or a combination of all three theories. Look at the family tree Scientists suspect that birds evolved from the group of coelurosaurs. Finds of these two-legged, slender carnivores suggest a thread-like skin structure. This in turn could have evolved into the later feathers. In addition, with the Caudipteryx and the Protarchaeopteryx, two specimens were found that actually had a full plumage. Legendary discoveries Even if modern dinosaur research has only existed since the 19th century, fossils of the primaeval inhabitants were apparently found thousands of years ago. The people of that time could not explain the unusual bone remains, which probably contributed to the spread of legends and myths about dragons, griffins and other mythical creatures. As late as 1677, people believed they had found a giant's femur. Only much later could the find from Cornwell, Oxfordshire be assigned to a Megalosaurus. Flex those muscles Huge in size, with pointed horns, sharp teeth and in a dangerously bad mood - children are attracted to dinosaurs. They can pretend to be these powerful animals while playing and can finally feel big and strong, says psychology. The Battle of the Giants also allows them to explore unexplored concepts such as danger, violence, victory and defeat in a safe setting. A superstar is born The first life-size dinosaur sculptures were presented to the public in London in 1851. This was a defining moment that would capture people's imaginations for generations to come. Starting with Jules Verne's novel "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864) and the adventure film "The Lost World" (1925), and onto Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park", films have triggered a veritable dinosaur boom in 1993 that has continued to this day. Whether it's a colouring pad, a craft kit, a storybook, an action figure, a video game or a movie - dinosaurs are omnipresent in our pop culture. Important carnivores and herbivores at a glance T-rex It's one of the largest carnivores that has ever lived on land. The Tyrannosaurus Rex had a large skull, powerful legs, and distinctively small, two-fingered arms. His dominion was what is now North America. There, he was at the top of the food chain and hunted herbivorous dinosaurs. Length: 13 metres Height: 4 metres Weight: 8.8 tons Habitat: North America Fun fact: The largest T-Rex tooth found is 30cm long including the root Velociraptor Small, fast and extremely dangerous! The Velociraptor was surprisingly light and agile for its size. As a carnivore, it would attack its victims with the sickle-like claws on its hind feet. Its jaw, with 26 to 28 razor-sharp teeth on each side, did the rest. Length: 1-2 metres Height: 50-100 centimetres Weight: 15-20 kilograms Habitat: Asia Fun Fact: Many finds from China and Mongolia indicate that the Velociraptor had feathers Spinosaurus Spinosaurus stands out due to its impressive back spines. The mystery of their function remains unsolved. They probably served to regulate the dinosaur's temperature. It's possible they were also used in courtship to impress the object of desire and to intimidate competitors. Length: 16-18 metres Height: about 4.5 metres Weight: 7-9 tons Habitat: North America Fun fact: There are many indications that the Spinosaurus hunted on land and fished in the water. Patagotitan The Patagotitan was only discovered in the 2010s and amazed dinosaur research. The size of the dinosaur surpassed everything that had previously existed. 6 pieces of the giant were found within 3 years. The herbivorous Patagotitan had small thorn-like appendages on its back. Its head was surprisingly small compared to the rest of the body. Length: 37 metres Height: about 6 metres Weight: 70 tons Habitat: South America Fun Fact: The femur of a Patagotitan is an incredible 2.4 metres tall Stegosaurus With its differently sized bony plates on its back and spiked tail, the Stegosaurus looks really dangerous. However, he wasn't a hunter. He was only after plants, which he sawed up with small teeth. His stooped posture can be explained by the fact that his front legs were shorter than his hind legs. Length: 9 metres Height: 4 metres Weight: 4.5 tons Habitat: North America, Portugal Fun fact: The stegosaurus' brain weighed an average of just 80 grams, but in all likelihood it was still more intelligent than other modern-day reptiles. Triceratops A neck shield and three thick horns - the triceratops knew how to defend itself. However, there are also theories that the shield was not intended to protect against attacks, but was used to regulate heat. The favourite food of this herbivore with the beak-like snout was probably ferns and other herbs. Length: 9 metres Height: 3 metres Weight: 6-12 tons Habitat: North America Fun Fact: When the end of the dinosaurs came, the Triceratops had "only" existed for one to three million years. It was therefore one of the youngest dinosaur species to become extinct at the time.

2022-03-29T00:00:00+02:00 2022-03-29T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/happy-birthday-bobby-car Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ It's hard to believe, but it's true: The Bobby Car has been making push car fans big and small cheer for 50 years. This four-wheeled pedal-less vehicle changed the history of toy world and continues to produce new designs and accessories to this day. In order to celebrate the red racer properly, we've collected a range of interesting facts. Click on the balloons if you want to see the Bobby Car in action The name After searching for a short but concise name that could be used internationally, they decided on Bobby Car. Since then, the word has become a generic term for all push-cars. A lame-duck? On February 2, 1972, the Bobby Car was presented to the public for the first time at the Nuremberg Toy Fair. Success did not at first materialise, but quality soon prevailed. Thanks to its ergonomic functions, the Ferrari became a huge hit among children's ride-on vehicles. It helped that Bobby Cars encourage good posture, support the development of children's joints and can even be used as a therapy for hip dislocations. Red is faster Bobby Cars are available in many colours and designs. Well-known artists have also designed special models. However, the original was, is and will remain red. The brilliant white steering wheel with a squeaky horn is also integral. Timeless tyres with narrow stripes and sporty red rims round off this classic look. How it's done The body of a new Bobby Car is made from coloured polyethylene granulate. The heated plastic is shaped by so-called blow moulding. The steering wheel, axles and wheels are then added. Leftovers and rejects are recycled directly on site and made into new wheels. In their state-of-the-art toy factory in Burghaslach, Germany, around 2,000 ride-on vehicles roll off the assembly line every day. Click on the tool bank if you want to learn more about the production of a Bobby Car Excellent automobiles Bobby Cars have received many highly coveted awards. Here is a small selection: The "spiel gut" seal identifies exceptionally good and pedagogically valuable children's toys. Safety is guaranteed by the GS mark from TÜV Rheinland AG. A "very good" at the ÖKO-TEST confirms the highest level of environmental compatibility and no health risks. The MOMMY Award is given directly by consumers themselves to products that are particularly family-friendly. Racing fever There is even a European Bobby Car Racing Championship organised by dedicated clubs and fans. Adult drivers rattle downhill at an unbelievable speed of 80 to 100 km/h. In order to brake, their shoes are reinforced with a special sole made from car tyres. Luckily children from the age of 3 don't go quite so fast. On stage In 2010, the world's most environmentally friendly car was even given a musical tribute. In the children's musical "BIG-Bobby-Car", a Bobby-Car family is eagerly awaiting their newest addition. Lively songs with funny lyrics encourage children to sing and dance. Hero of the game The legendary ride-on car is also a sensation in the realm of video games. "BIG-Bobby-Car - The Great Race" by Wild River Games is an open game world with a wide variety of tasks. Kids can prove themselves in daring races against other Bobby Car models. Are you longing for the smell of a new car? Or maybe you, as a passionate hobbyist, are always looking for original tuning parts? Then browse numerous Bobby Car models and great accessories in our shop. The playPolis team wishes the Bobby Car a happy birthday again! Here's to another 50 years of fun! And we wish you an accident-free trip with lots of sunshine!

2022-03-11T00:00:00+01:00 2022-03-11T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/hooray-spring-is-on-its-way Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ For many years, children's everyday life has been shifting more and more from outdoors to indoors. The increased consumption of new media is often associated with this, but is only one of many reasons. Even we grown-ups are often bad role models when we - understandably - prefer to relax in the living room after a hard day's work than climb into a breezy treetop. But spring is fast approaching and it invites us all to experience outdoor adventures again. To get you in the mood, we want to talk about outdoor play with suggestions for great activities for young and old. Back to the roots When mankind roamed the countryside as hunters and gatherers, natural history was essential for survival. Today, we collect likes on Instagram and chase the latest trends. Tracking, bird language and botany are areas of knowledge that are being pushed further and further into the background. A little more closeness to nature in all of our lives would be desirable. In addition, movements such as “Fridays for Future” show that nature and environmental protection are important concerns for many young people. So let's set out to revitalise our ailing relationship with nature. Can you feel it? You can learn a lot about the world in books. Videos even offer moving pictures and lifelike sounds. However, anyone who has ever dug their hands in a forest floor or let a beetle crawl over their fingers will be able to confirm that there are whole worlds out there. It's less the knowledge and more the sensory experiences that make a strong connection with nature possible. These intense experiences leave formative traces in our memory and create fertile ground for essential values such as sustainability and nature conservation, which will benefit our current and all future generations. Hand in hand Some children are enthusiastic about exploring the countryside on their own. Others would rather be taken by the proverbial hand and are happy to be given inspiration that spurs them on to the next adventure. As is so often the case as an adult: Set an example, participate and integrate! Spark an interest in nature with memories from your childhood or short nature-related stories. Unusual objects from the wild can also provide a first impetus for investigating and experiencing. If you then roam through forest and meadow, regularly make yourself aware of individual senses. Smell, hear, look, touch - absorb everything, but take your time! If you keep exchanging ideas about the experiences you have just made, this stimulates new ideas and what children have experienced becomes more firmly anchored in their memories. Exciting outdoor activities A treasure list Together, create a list of objects that can be found in your area. For example, a feather, a stone, a plant or something round/edible/blue. Then all players have to work through their list as quickly as possible and bring the treasures home. The souvenirs can be displayed or used for handicrafts. A bird concert Concentrate on the birdsong and try to hear individual voices. Can you spot the singer you're looking for? A book on bird species provides additional information. Tree buddy Works best in teams of 2. Blindfold player A. Player B leads him to a tree. Player A may touch, smell - everything but see. Then he is brought back to the start by B and the blindfold is removed. Can A find his tree buddy? Then the roles are swapped. On the hot track Who, what, when, how, why and where? An animal track leaves many questions. Can you find the answers to these? Maybe it helps if you move on all fours like the animal you're looking for? Helpful garden gnomes If you have green fingers and enjoy working in the garden, pass on some of your experiences. Children will enthusiastically lend a hand. Find ideas and child-friendly tools for the garden here. Fun with pine cones The forest is full of them! Who will throw them the furthest? Or are you more the on-target type? The cones can also be used for juggling. Spring picnic Combine the next hike or bike tour with a small snack in the countryside. Then lie down in the meadow and let your soul sour. Plant memory Some preparation is required here. Collect some plants on your usual walk. Children can look at everything very closely, touch it or sniff it. If they wish, they could use a guidebook. Then the collected plants can be rediscovered while walking the route again. Insect tracking Like clever detectives, set off in pursuit of little bugs. They can be observed very closely with a magnifying glass. The weather isn't cooperating - We're having fun inside Creative romp Paint flower pots in bright colours using common watercolours. But don't forget to protect the whole thing from the rain with a clear coat afterwards! Discover many more great projects for painting and handicrafts here. First the cultivation, then the enjoyment Planting herbs and watching them grow is fascinating. Older children can be given sole responsibility for a plant, learning how to take care of their green friends. A delicious sandwich with fresh cress beckons as a reward. A table for all seasons Reserve a little corner in your home for extraordinary natural treasures. When the weather is bad, admire them in peace and explore their origins. The rabbit is on his way Easter is not far away, so why not start painting eggs. Perhaps also use this opportunity to make other Easter decorations? Bird concert part 2 Be like little birds and sing happy spring songs. Such singing power and a good mood will undoubtedly bring the sun back again. A stamp room A real classic. Paint leaves or sliced fruits and use them as stamps. Then create works of art. A new home How about an insect hotel? After assembly, hang it in the garden or on the balcony. The first guests will move in as early as March and from then on can be seen flying and crawling. Whistle on it Has it been raining for hours and are you getting cabin fever? There's only one thing that helps: Wrap up, run outside, dance in the rain, jump in all the puddles and hold your face up in the sky. So, that's it :) The playPolis team sends you spring greetings, hopes you have fun trying out these fun ideas and wishes for lots of sunshine. See you soon!

2022-01-10T00:00:00+01:00 2022-01-10T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/happiness-in-your-arms-cuddly-toys-as-friends-for-life Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ Every adult remembers their favourite cuddly toy from their childhood. Some still own and treasure it. What makes a stuffed animal so special? Why can we still remember every detail after decades and smile when we talk about it? Just in time for World Cuddling Day on January 21st, we have compiled interesting facts about this heartwarming topic. We would also like to give parents a few tips on what to consider when buying and handling their children's fluffy treasures. Good relationships A child's first relationship is always with its mother. The relationship develops during pregnancy and is particularly intense in the first few months of the baby's life. Of course, after the birth, the father and/or other caregivers are very important too. But the fact is - and every pubescent teenager will confirm this - that you can't choose your parents. But you can choose a first intimate cuddly friend! This is a huge step on the way to a self-determined childhood. Stuffed animals are often referred to by psychologists as transitional objects because they facilitate the transition from the important mother relationship to new interpersonal relationships. If the child has proven itself in several of these relationships and feels comfortable with it, the desire for the stuffed animal will slowly diminish. A partner For children, a stuffed animal is much more than just a soft cuddly friend. Personality and soul are given to the inanimate object. It is chatted to, played with, cried at and hoped for. In addition, the stuffed animal is always there, even when mum and dad are busy. In order to be able to successfully cope with the many difficult everyday situations, the cuddly toy serves as emotional support. It helps children fall asleep, accompanies them on trips or visits to the doctor, comforts them when they're ill and listens when they cry. Happy situations become even better with the furry partner at their side: "I'm fine. teddy is my friend. That's why I want him to be here too, so he can enjoy it." In role-playing games, stuffed animals serve as willing play partners. For example, stressful visits to the dentist are replayed. In real life, the child had to endure this procedure passively. But now the roles are reversed. The cuddly toy takes on the passive part, while the child can slip into the active role of the doctor. In this way, the experience can be processed better. Are you too old for stuffed animals? As already mentioned, at some point we will reach an age when our cuddly friends are no longer needed. Keeping them for later can still be worthwhile! If you feel down and lonely, a fluffy button can provide closeness, warmth and security even in adulthood. Released endorphins brighten the mood. There are even studies that show that this can stabilise the immune system. One reason for this is probably our sense of touch. It develops as early as the 6th week of pregnancy. That's probably why we particularly enjoy skin contact. The sense of smell also plays a major role. Smells are stored in the oldest regions of the brain. This is why a fragrance that we thought we had forgotten can awaken very intense memories, which in turn has a positive effect on our emotional well-being. All of this knowledge has been used in the care sector for several years. Soft animal robots are used to care for people with dementia or severe disabilities. They can evoke positive reactions and allow communication without words. This is often referred to as opening the doors. Tips for parents - what to consider? The material of the future cuddle buddy should be free of harmful substances and contain as few plasticisers as possible. Unfortunately, this is not always obvious at first glance. Look for special seals of approval or browse the manufacturers' websites! Something that takes a long time Teddy and Co. are washed more than 100 times on average and touched and played with 1000 times. The higher the quality of the material and production, the longer the joy of the children. Some parents only buy cuddly toys in a double pack. This means that a replacement of equal value is immediately at hand if the original can no longer be saved and, under certain circumstances, no longer be bought at all. Something tangible Pay special attention to a good feel. This means that active exploration with the sense of touch should be as pleasant as possible. Soft fur, different surfaces, easy to squeeze, easy to grip - all this has to be taken into account. Elements that are annoying when hugging, and sharp and easily swallowed parts are a no-go. Good shape The most important thing is a friendly facial expression. Posable limbs and a rotating head aren't required, but they're a nice touch. Avoid toys with too many accessories. They can limit creativity while playing. Less is more Of course, you only want the best for your offspring, but don't get too many cuddly companions. If a stuffed animal is no longer enjoyed, you can put it away so that it is still there in case of doubt. If your child is old enough, the toy box can be sorted through with them. Tastes are different Even if you personally don't like a certain aesthetic, your child might love it. Of course, that's perfectly fine! Always offer your child different models and ask them specifically what they like and why they chose it.

2021-11-02T00:00:00+01:00 2021-11-02T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.playpolis.co.uk/info/magazine/piece-by-piece-puzzle-happiness Playpolis uk@playpolis.com https://www.playpolis.co.uk/ Why a puzzle is more relaxing (and above all cheaper!) than a thermal bath trip, where the material comes from, what jigsaw puzzles do to our brains and how you can find enlightenment as a future puzzle game guru - read on for answers to these and other urgent questions. There was once … The English engraver John Spilsbury (1739-1769) is considered to be the inventor of the puzzle. He put a map of Great Britain on a wooden board and sawed it up along the boundaries of the counties. He sold his invention as a "teaching aid to facilitate geography lessons". Other models followed. By the way, the English term “jigsaw puzzle” goes back to this early production method. It was not until a good 100 years later that the interlocking shape of the puzzle pieces, which is common today, appeared. From the beginning of the 20th century, jigsaws were mass-produced. Thanks to the much cheaper price, jigsaws became a popular pastime. To date, not much has changed in the manufacturing process. The motif is printed on cardboard and cut into small parts with a punch. More and more precise punches ensure that the parts fit really well and can't be incorrectly forced together. Colour and print quality are also making great progress, making them more and more attractive. Make one out of two As is generally known, our brains are made up of two halves. The one on the left is known as a tough analyst, the one on the right as an intuitive creative. When both halves are activated at the same time, the connection between the individual cells is strengthened. As a result, the efficiency and capacity of our thinking centre increase. When doing jigsaws, as you have probably already guessed, we simultaneously activate both parts. Brain training for all ages The brain is often referred to colloquially as a muscle. If it is used regularly and intensively, its performance improves. With the so-called “scanning” of puzzle pieces, you get an overview of shape, colour and the resulting possible placement areas. This process, which happens over and over again while playing, is hard work for our grey cells. Short-term memory, concentration, imagination and visualisation skills are all trained at the same time! It also reduces the likelihood of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. Oooooooommmmmm While your thinking apparatus achieves its ultimate performance in puzzle-laying, the rest of your body shifts down a gear and relaxes. Almost like a meditation, the constant visualisation blocks out other stimuli. You get into a flow and are completely absorbed in the task. As your heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure drop, everything feels effortless. In the moment of total concentration, every move happens by itself. The purest child's game It's probably not so easy for the grown-ups to understand, but little hands don't always do what children want them to do. Grasping the puzzle pieces and putting them in the correct place promotes fine motor skills. Eye-hand coordination is also trained while doing puzzles. Speaking of school ... To a large extent, school lessons must focus on conveying facts and figures. The structured and analytical thinking on which the puzzle is based comes in handy here. In real life, it is important to break down demanding tasks into individual steps, organize them according to parameters and then gradually master them. These processes are trained at your own pace and without external pressure when doing jigsaws. Happiness wants to be found Sometimes it's like magic. The piece of the puzzle you are looking for is nowhere to be found and perseverance is required. If you don't give up, finally find the item (at some point everything will reappear) and proudly put it in place, you will be rewarded with a load of dopamine. The happiness hormone is released with every correctly placed part. This way, the puzzle remains motivating, improves stamina and puts you in a good mood. Tips for newbies It may sound banal, but a solid surface and lots of light are basic requirements for a successful puzzle adventure so it's best to sit down at a table. Good lighting helps when scanning the parts. If there is not enough space, we recommend your own puzzle mat so you can easily and safely transport your work of art if you need the table surface for something else. Beginners can start with a motif that has many different colours, patterns and details, allowing children to quickly can see which part belongs where. For young people and adults, we recommend a maximum of 500 parts to start with. With a little experience, dare to work on more difficult motifs with up to 1000 pieces. Variants with 2000 or more pieces are intended for experienced puzzle professionals. So, when the table is prepared and the right jigsaw with a great motif is in front of you - what now? To get off to a good start, first find out all the edge parts to lay the frame. Once you've done that, sort the remaining pieces by colour, pattern or shape. After that, the only thing that helps is constant scanning and testing until the last part is in place. Just take your time, stay focused and find your flow. As every jigsaw guru will assure you: The journey is the destination.