Almost any parent, at one point or another, in a desperate attempt to keep their kids quiet and entertained has either plopped them in front of the TV or handed them a tablet or a phone. My husband and I are both Realtors and we both work from home. We can’t control when phone calls come in, and most need to be dealt with immediately, so I am 100% guilty of using technology to keep my kids entertained, quiet, and zoned out. In the end, it works, but it doesn’t make me feel good as a parent. I keep thinking, there MUST be a better way!! So when I happened upon Wonder’s Journey, a company designed by Melody Johnson to create low-tech toys to keep little ones engaged WITHOUT screens or tech, I was intrigued.
Melody was born in Denver, raised in Iowa, studied Early Childhood Education at Iowa State University, and moved back to Denver soon after graduation. She taught at a variety of preschool programs around the metro area as well as becoming a center director, working mostly with Head Start and Early Head Start programs. After her daughter was born, she noticed that everywhere they went, she saw kids of all ages glued to their parent’s smart phones. She wanted simple, engaging, easy to transport toys to stash in her diaper bag to offer up while they waited out to eat or at the doctor’s office. So, she started making them. Drawing on her educational background as well as her experience with her kids, she created fun and educational materials for all ages. If you’re looking for engaging play materials that ignite imagination and power play without technology, you can find them at www.wondersjourney.com.
At Wonder’s Journey they know parents just want to raise independent kids who will grow into successful adults. But with all the toys and electronics on the market today, it can be almost impossible to know which ones help or hinder your child’s development, increasing frustration and leading to parent guilt. (I am the QUEEN of mom-guilt!) That’s why they make toys that give kids the opportunity to be imaginative, flexible thinkers, so they can grow up to be the next generation of innovators and leaders. Thoughtfully designed open ended toys that are screen free, make parents feel confident in their toy choices, and ultimately their parenting skills. Given the right play opportunities, all kids develop to their fullest potential. These are materials you can feel good about giving to your kids; low tech toys designed to promote skills that turn learners into leaders. A big thank you to Melody Johnson for helping to better the lives of our children by creating Wonder’s Journey!
Leave a Reply