Category: Parenting

Many parents worry that their kids spend too much time in front of screens, and with good reason. Studies show that hands-on play helps children’s brains grow and learn. Even the most simple everyday activities can shape young minds for life.

Here are some easy ways to use play-based learning at home and in school. These ideas can help turn everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for learning.

The Role of Hands-On Activities in Cognitive Development

Hands-on activities help children build their brains. Sensory-rich experiences like playing with clay or sorting blocks boost learning. Kids use their senses to touch, see, and move objects.

This action forms new neural pathways in the brain. Early childhood experts say play-based learning improves memory retention and critical thinking skills.

Children solve problems as they play with puzzles or stack cups. Activities such as finger painting and building towers teach focus and patience. Learning through movement also develops fine motor skills needed for writing later on.

Each playful moment prepares young minds for greater problem-solving tasks ahead in life, which leads right into how play boosts these vital skills next.

How Play Enhances Problem-Solving Skills

Kids often solve puzzles and build things while playing. These hands-on activities boost problem-solving skills in early childhood development. For example, stacking blocks helps children figure out balance and structure. Interactive games can teach kids to think ahead and make smart choices.

Play-based learning lets children test ideas without fear of failure. They learn from small mistakes during sensory-rich experiences. This builds stronger neural pathways for memory retention and critical thinking. Children gain confidence each time they find a solution on their own.

Through play, kids also practice working with others as part of a group or team. The next step explores how these social interactions help shape emotional growth, too.

Developing Social and Emotional Skills Through Play

Play helps children build important social and emotional skills. They learn to share, take turns, and communicate. These activities create a space for kids to express their feelings. Playing with others teaches empathy, which is key in making friends.

During play, children explore different roles. Pretend games let them act out various scenarios. This helps them understand other people’s emotions and views. Play also gives kids a way to cope with challenges or frustration.

Engaging in hands-on activities boosts their confidence too; they feel proud when they solve problems together or complete tasks creatively.

The Connection Between Play and Creativity

Hands-on activities spark creativity in young minds. Children create with their imaginations during playtime. They experiment with ideas and materials freely. This process helps build new neural pathways in the brain, encouraging cognitive growth.

Different types of play boost creative thinking skills. Open-ended activities like arts and crafts allow kids to explore their thoughts without limits. Interactive games challenge them to think outside the box.

Such experiences engage children, making learning fun while enhancing their problem-solving abilities at the same time.

Types of Hands-On Activities That Stimulate Learning

Hands-on activities can make learning fun. Kids can explore through free play, guided play, interactive games, and creative arts and crafts.

Free Play vs. Guided Play

Free play and guided play both help children learn, but they do so in different ways.

Interactive Games and Puzzles

Interactive games and puzzles are fun ways for kids to learn. They help build skills that are key to their growth.

1. These activities boost critical thinking. Kids must think through challenges to solve problems.
2. Puzzles improve memory retention. Children remember pieces and how they fit together.
3. Games enhance engagement. They keep kids focused and excited about learning.
4. Interactive play promotes teamwork. Kids often play together, learning to share and cooperate.
5. Colors and shapes in puzzles stimulate sensory experiences. These elements keep children interested and curious.
6. Many games involve planning ahead, which enhances cognitive skills. Kids learn to strategize their moves as they play.
7. New puzzles introduce concepts like patterns and sequences, building math skills early on.
8. Many interactive games adapt to a child’s age or skill level, ensuring appropriate challenges.
9. Playing with others helps develop communication skills as kids talk about strategies or rules.
10. Time spent with interactive activities fosters creativity as children explore solutions in unique ways.

These hands-on activities make learning enjoyable while shaping young minds effectively.

Arts, Crafts, and DIY Projects

Arts, crafts, and DIY projects are fun ways for kids to create. These hands-on activities boost learning and creativity.

1. Engaging in arts and crafts helps children improve their fine motor skills. Small movements like cutting or gluing enhance hand-eye coordination.
2. DIY projects let kids express themselves. They can choose colors and materials that reflect their personality.
3. Working on a project together encourages teamwork. Children learn how to share ideas and support each other.
4. Arts and crafts can spark imagination. Kids can turn simple items into unique art pieces with creative thinking.
5. Creating something from scratch boosts confidence. Completing a project gives children a sense of accomplishment.
6. These activities offer sensory-rich experiences. Touching different textures or mixing paints stimulates the senses and enhances learning.
7. Crafts can teach basic math skills, too. Measuring materials and counting supplies help reinforce numbers in a fun way.
8. Kids learn patience through arts and crafts. Some projects take time to complete, teaching them to focus on the process rather than just the end result.
9. Parents can encourage arts and crafts at home with simple supplies like paper, scissors, and crayons. Easy access invites kids to explore their creativity anytime.
10. Many schools integrate arts into their curriculum, promoting well-rounded development; this approach connects art with other subjects like science or history for better understanding.
11. Projects that involve recycling promote environmental awareness while being creative; kids learn the importance of reusing materials while having fun making new things from old items.
12. Crafts build community by bringing families together; when parents or siblings join in, it strengthens bonds while enjoying quality time crafting together.

Encouraging Play-Based Learning at Home

Play-based learning is important for young minds. It helps children grow and develop in many ways.

1. Set aside time each day for play. This shows your child that play is important.
2. Create a space for free play at home. Make it safe and inviting with toys, books, and art supplies.
3. Join in on the fun. Play games or do activities together to boost engagement.
4. Limit screen time. Offer more hands-on activities instead of just watching TV or playing video games.
5. Encourage creativity through different materials. Use clay, paint, or recycled items to inspire imagination.
6. Allow children to lead their own playtime. This builds independence and critical thinking skills.
7. Provide puzzles and interactive games that challenge problem-solving abilities. These tools support cognitive growth.
8. Incorporate sensory-rich experiences such as water play or outdoor exploration to enhance learning through the senses.
9. Share stories together and ask open-ended questions about them to spark discussion and creativity.
10. Celebrate effort over results during playtime, which helps build confidence and motivation in children.

Play-based learning can shape young minds positively at home.

Hands-On Learning in Educational Settings

Hands-on learning brings excitement to classrooms. Teachers can use activities that engage students in real-life tasks. These activities help students grasp complex ideas better. Children learn best through play-based learning. They connect new knowledge with hands-on experiences.

In educational settings, interactive games and puzzles boost critical thinking skills. Arts and crafts allow for creative exploration while developing motor skills. Sensory-rich experiences make lessons memorable and fun, aiding memory retention.

Students who engage in these activities often show higher engagement levels, leading to deeper understanding of subjects.

The Long-Term Impact of Play on Young Minds

Play has a significant impact on young minds that lasts into adulthood. Engaging in hands-on activities helps build strong neural pathways. These connections make it easier for children to learn and remember things later in life.

Kids can unleash their creativity and storytelling as they recreate favorite scenes with Simba Lego.

Skills like problem-solving and critical thinking grow through play-based learning. Kids who explore creatively often think outside the box as adults. They become better at tackling challenges as they develop.

Playing also shapes social skills and emotional intelligence. Through games, kids learn to share, cooperate, and express feelings. These experiences create the foundation for healthy relationships in the future.

Research shows that children who play well with others are more likely to succeed socially and academically later on. Their ability to connect with peers builds their confidence as they grow up. Play lays a solid foundation for lifelong growth and success.

Tips for Parents and Educators to Foster Play

Hands-on activities are crucial for children. They help develop young minds and spark creativity. Here are tips for parents and educators to foster play.

1. Create a safe space for play. A clean, open area helps kids explore freely without fear of injury.
2. Provide various materials for play. Items like blocks, art supplies, and sensory bins enhance learning through play.
3. Encourage open-ended activities. Let kids use their imagination to build or create without strict rules.
4. Join in the fun when possible. Playing together fosters bonding and encourages teamwork skills.
5. Limit screen time to encourage active play. Children learn better with hands-on interactions rather than passive viewing.
6. Set regular times for free play each day. Consistent schedules help kids anticipate and enjoy these moments.
7. Offer guidance but avoid taking control of the game. This allows children to solve problems independently and build confidence.
8. Praise effort over results during playtime. This builds resilience and promotes a growth mindset for kids, helping them stay motivated and view challenges as opportunities to learn.
9. Mix structured activities with free play periods throughout the day; this balance supports cognitive development and critical thinking skills.
10. Share ideas about creative exploration with other parents or educators; collaborating can generate new playful insights that benefit all children involved.

Balancing Play and Screen Time

Play and screen time both matter for kids. Play helps build skills like creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Kids learn best through hands-on activities that engage them fully. These activities also help create strong neural pathways in the brain.

Screen time can be fun, but should not replace active play. Too much screen time can limit a child’s imagination and physical activity. Parents must set limits on how long children spend on devices each day, encouraging more play-based learning instead. A good balance leads to healthier development in young minds.

Conclusion

Hands-on activities are vital for young minds. They boost learning and creativity. Children engage deeply when they play. This helps them solve problems and build social skills. Encouraging play leads to a brighter future for kids.

Modern families often involve different dynamics, which can pose unique challenges to navigate as parents. When you have people coming together from different backgrounds, it’s essential to put in effort to build strong connections. Creating a loving and accepting environment is the foundation of a happy, healthy family.

Explore the path to strengthening your blended family’s bond through these unique ways to grow closer.

1. Create New, Shared Traditions

Establishing new practices is essential for solidifying your family’s identity, providing a welcoming environment and establishing a sense of belonging among all members. While celebrating holidays and events in traditional ways is essential, creating smaller, more frequent traditions can grow family bonds and provide opportunities to connect throughout the year.

Unique Ideas

• “High and low” at dinner times: Each family member shares their day’s high point and low point, encouraging emotional sharing and open communication.

• Family Theme Nights: Once a month, let a different family member choose a themed dinner and movie night — Italian night, 80s movie night and sports night are some options — allowing everyone to make a fun and original contribution.

• Blending anniversary celebration: Celebrate the date that your family officially came together with a special gathering or unique family outing.

Creating these new traditions can strengthen your new kids’ feelings of being part of the family, create lasting memories and build anticipation for the future.

2. Bond Through Collaborative Projects

Activities that require mutual input and teamwork can boost communication and generate a sense of shared accomplishment among your blended family members. Collaborating could strengthen bonds and provide hours of entertainment.

Unique Ideas

• Family volunteering: Suggest supporting a cause that resonates with the entire family and volunteer as a unit. This experience fosters a sense of shared purpose, allowing you to all connect on a deeper level.

• Create a family garden: Get involved in building a garden at home together. Assign different roles, like lugging rocks, planting, watering and harvesting. These long-term projects encourage collaboration and responsibility, with harvesting the fruits of your labor being the ultimate reward.

• Plan a vacation together: Instead of leaving vacation plans to the parents, involve the kids. Planning as a family helps incorporate exciting activities for everyone, making it a perfect collaborative activity.

These kinds of projects will build a strong family dynamic while promoting the teamwork and communication necessary for bonding.

3.  Plan Some One-on-One Time

Creating a strong blended family unit also involves nurturing individual relationships between members. One-on-one interactions enable your children to connect with other family members on a more personal level, fostering safety and trust through mutual understanding. Start with shorter interactions to help ease everyone into this relationship-building exercise, and build from there.

Unique Ideas

• Date swaps: Depending on the composition of your blended family, parents and step-parents can “swap” kids for one-on-one time with their new little one. This can help promote a connection in a relaxed setting.

• Skill sharing: Encourage older children to teach their younger siblings a skill like playing an instrument. You and your kid can also learn something new together to promote shared interests, teamwork and togetherness.

• Running errands together: You can use otherwise mundane tasks as opportunities for quick, low-pressure chats and bonding opportunities. This casual time together allows you to accomplish necessary tasks while growing closer.

Individual interactions with family members can significantly nurture relationships, even during mundane or otherwise minor tasks.

Laying the Foundation With Patience and a Secure Environment

Kids will always need time to adjust to new surroundings, especially if they’re used to different family structures. These adjustment periods are normal and expected, so be patient with your new arrival to help them feel at ease.

In the initial weeks, the trick is to cement a feeling of safety and security in your new addition. Introducing your child to a nurturing home will allow them to explore and learn about their new surroundings without feeling threatened.  This time can serve as a period of discovery for everyone involved, allowing relationships to develop naturally.

Trust takes time, so your kid may initially keep their distance as they adjust to their new surroundings and family members. Creating a personal space for them can provide them with a secure retreat and help them realize a sense of belonging and comfort as they transition.

Navigating Your Blended Family Landscape by Building Connections

By finding unique ways to bond with your blended family, you can create lasting memories. Bear in mind the ages of your children and adapt the ideas to suit your unique circumstances. You and your new family will appreciate it.

When it comes to your child’s education, every small way you can show support will add up. By prioritizing homework, modeling lifelong learning and showing interest in school life, you will plant many seeds of encouragement that will help your child through their academic years and beyond.

Author bio:  Cora Gold is the Editor-in-Chief of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. She strives to live a happy and healthy life with her family by her side.
Follow Cora on Facebook and LinkedIn.

There’s a stretch of time between early childhood and adolescence when kids want more freedom—and parents want more information. A smartwatch, for many families, becomes a small tether. Not a leash, not surveillance. Just… connection.

That said, not every smartwatch is designed with safety in mind. Plenty come loaded with distractions or open-ended apps. Others lack features that matter in a pinch—like accurate GPS or emergency response options.

If you’re considering one for your child, and you’d rather not sort through dozens of product pages, here are five models that lean hard into security, simplicity, and trust-building features. They don’t all do the same thing. But each one can help bridge the gap between independence and peace of mind.

1. COSMO JrTrack 5 – Built for Quick Response

Some watches shout “kid gadget.” This one doesn’t.

The COSMO JrTrack 5 leans into quiet safety. It offers real-time GPS that doesn’t flinch when your child moves indoors, plus an SOS trigger that kicks in if the home button’s pressed three times. Once that happens, it starts tracking in real-time, answers parent calls automatically, and stays muted until the child decides otherwise.

There’s a music player and some carefully selected apps, but the emphasis stays on connection. The COSMO doesn’t try to do everything—it just does a few things very well.

2. Gabb Watch 3e – Easy for Kids, Comfortable for Parents

Some devices feel like they’re trying too hard to be smart. The Gabb Watch 3e doesn’t.

It’s a lightweight, screen-based communicator with no open internet, no app store, and no way for strangers to contact your child. You approve contacts. You get the GPS data. And your child gets a digital pet that only thrives if they walk around and complete tasks.

That’s about it—and that’s the point. It’s not there to entertain. It’s there to help your child reach you, move around, and build routine. Some families start here and stay here. Others treat it as a warm-up before more advanced tech.

3. myFirst Fone R2 – Communication Within a Circle

The myFirst Fone R2 isn’t just a smartwatch. It’s a closed-loop messenger. Within the “Circle,” kids can share photos, send short voice clips, or hop on a video call—but only with approved family members.

For parents with extended family involved in daily life, that can be gold. There’s a 5MP camera, a solid GPS signal, and safe zones that trigger alerts if your child steps outside them.

It’s not as minimal as the Gabb, and it takes a little more setup. But once in place, it feels like a soft landing between total control and growing independence.

4. Bark Watch – Not Just for Where, But What

Most safety devices focus on where your child is. The Bark Watch takes it a step further—monitoring what your child sees and says.

It flags content: messages that seem off, images that trigger concern, anything that hints at bullying or unsafe interaction. Parents get alerts, plus context. No overreactions—just data, calmly delivered.

The design’s stripped down—no camera, no games—and that’s deliberate. This one’s best for older kids just starting to form digital habits. It’s not a fun watch. But it might be the most useful if you’re concerned about social risks, not just location.

5. Verizon Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure – Affordable Reliability

If you want the basics—and want them to work—Verizon’s Gizmo Watch 3 Adventure tends to hit the mark.

It includes essentials: GPS, voice calling, 20 approved contacts, and an SOS feature that can auto-answer if your child can’t get to the screen in time. It doesn’t come with a camera, and there’s no messaging. That makes it one of the quieter devices on this list.

For younger kids or first-time users, though, quiet might be perfect. It’s straightforward, durable, and backed by a major carrier. That matters more than some realize.

What Actually Makes a Kids’ Smartwatch “Safe”?

It’s not the price. And it’s not the brand.

Safe, in this space, tends to mean a few specific things:

• Real-time GPS that doesn’t lag indoors
• Emergency tools (auto-answer, SOS calling, geofencing)
• Locked-down contact lists
• No open browsing or stranger messaging
• A parent portal that’s usable—not a chore

Some watches offer more: camera access, video calling, fitness games. That’s great—if it fits your goals. Others strip things back, focusing on core functionality and little else. Neither is wrong. It’s just a matter of fit.

What Age Makes Sense for a Smartwatch?

Some 5-year-olds are more tech-savvy than 10-year-olds. But if you’re looking for general ranges:

• 5–8 years: Simpler watches with no camera or texting (Gabb, Gizmo)

• 9–12 years: More robust features and content monitoring (Bark, COSMO)

It’s more about maturity than the number on the cake. Can they keep it charged? Follow basic digital rules? Handle a message from grandma?

If yes, they’re probably ready.

Is a Smartwatch Better Than a GPS Tracker?

Depends on what you need.

Trackers are smaller and often last longer on a charge. But they don’t call. They don’t text. And they’re easy to forget at home.

Smartwatches stay on the wrist and come with connection tools..

Need a Deeper Dive?

If you want a side-by-side breakdown of what’s available—pricing, features, setup quirks, and all—Safewise’s rank of the best kids smartwatches is one of the highest quality lists we’ve seen. It’s parent-focused and actually hands-on, which helps.

Last Word: Not Just a Gadget

A smartwatch for kids isn’t about screen time. Not really.

It’s about connection when you’re not in the room. A backup voice. A quiet signal. That one button your kid can press that says: “I need you.”

Choose what feels right. The rest can be figured out from there.

Parenting

It can be hard to find ways to get families together around the dinner table in today’s fast-paced world. Between work, school and extracurricular activities, shared mealtime often gets sidelined.

However, there is one way to encourage family connection: the joy of cooking and exploring recipes for any occasion. This where Canadian families looking for inspiration , convenience, and variety in their everyday meals find cookbooks to be indispensable resources.

Cooking at home not only provides nutritious meals but also offers opportunities for education, creativity, and bonding.  Children can learn essential skills such as measuring, following directions and understanding ingredients. Parents, on the other hand, can experiment with flavors, expand their culinary repertoire, and involve the whole family in decision-making. Having a solid library of cookbooks guarantees that meal preparation in busy Canadian homes never feels tedious or stressful.

Why Big Families Need Cookbooks

One of the benefits of cookbooks is that they provide a structured yet flexible approach to cooking. A well-curated cooking book enables families to plan meals ahead of time, try out different ingredients and new favorites unlike browsing through random recipes on the internet.

Following recipes measuring ingredients and timing cooking steps can help children develop essential reading and math skills, making cooking and educational experience. At the same time parents can ensure that meals meet dietary needs while introducing children to a variety of wholesome and nutritious foods.

Cooking also encourages creativity and fun, as families can modify recipes, experiment with ingredients, and try different playing techniques to make mealtimes more engaging and enjoyable for everyone.

Using cookbooks promotes quality family time outside of the kitchen. While one person chops vegetables, another stirs sauces, and a third sets the table, everyone contributes to creating a shared experience. Cooperation, communication skills and enduring memories are all enhanced by this interaction.  For more ways to create fun family moments, from seasonal activities to creative indoor projects, explore family activities that inspire connection and shared experience.

Organise technique, timing and teamwork in the kitchen

To turn cookbooks into usable family routines, set up systems for prep, storage and shared responsibilities so meals are reliable and less stressful; begin by establishing a weekly rhythm where you decide menus or fixed day, inventory your pantry, and batch-cook components like grains, sauces and roasted vegetables for rapid assembly later.

Integrate skill building by assigning age-appropriate tasks-measuring, rinsing, simple chopping under supervision and use clear technique notes from trusted sources to teach knife safety and seasoning judgment. When you consult printed guides or online pages, bookmark reliable reference sections so you can quickly revisit methods.  Mid-way through your planning phase, place a cornerstone resource in the centre of your workflow by adding the bold linked resource cookbooks to your shelf or digital library.

This can be go-to that consolidates recipes, technique and family-friendly adaptations in one place. Pair that resource with a flexible meal template protein, grain, veg, sauce, that helps you improvise based on what’s fresh or on sale in local markets and encourages your family to taste new flavours without pressure.

Keep a simple labelling system for prepped food, note fridge life, and rotate components so you avoid repetition, this approach turns instructional pages into reliable weekly practice rather than aspirational reading. Track success and failures in a short notebook or app so you refine and involve children in weekly choices to boost buy-in and teach decision-making about nutrition and budgets.

Benefits of Cooking Together as a Family

Cooking together goes beyond simply making meals: It serves as a powerful way to strengthen family bonds. Research indicates that children who are regularly involved in meal preparation are more willing to try new foods., build healthy eating habits also encourage creativity and independence by involving kids in age-appropriate tasks such as stirring, chopping, measuring, and decorating dishes.

It also fosters better teamwork and communication. Assigning basic roles, talking about flavors, and sharing responsibilities gives everyone in the family a sense of accomplishment. These events can also provide an opportunity to discuss cultural heritage, family traditions, or even scientific facts about the ingredients and cooking techniques.

Families can experiment with different flavors without feeling constrained by routine by using cookbooks that contain a wide range of recipes. As parents can rely on tried-and-true recipes while exposing children to new culinary experiences, it also lessens the stress associated with meal planning. Families can also look through recipes for any occasion, which offer seasonal advice and kid-friendly modifications, to get ideas for special occasions.

Selecting the Right Cookbooks

When choosing cookbooks, it’s critical to take into account elements that guarantee the recipes fit the tastes and lifestyle of your family. Consider the primary cook’s confidence and skill level when selecting books. While more complex cookbooks can test teen chefs and teach them new cooking methods, beginner-friendly cookbooks are best for families with small children. Ingredient availability is another key consideration.

Look for cookbooks that use ingredients easily found in Canadian grocery stores, with a focus on seasonal vegetables and locally sourced produce. Variety and flexibility matter as well; cookbooks that allow families to adapt flavors, adjust portions, and swap ingredients make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable.

For additional inspiration and variety, families can explore online guides from reputable sources, such as the Food Network’s Canadian recipe section, which features meal ideas, seasonal tips, and cooking advice tailored to Canadian households.

Making Cooking a Fun Experience

Cooking can be more than just a daily chore; it can be a shared family experience full of creativity and learning. Families can make mealtime a fun activity by hosting themed dinners, where everyone can choose a recipe from their collection. Children can be encouraged to create their own dessert or appetizer recipes, perhaps even recording them in a family cookbook for future reference. Sharing responsibilities among family members ensures that everyone has the opportunity to plan, prepare, and serve meals, fostering teamwork and a sense of accomplishment.

You can boost engagement by assigning clear roles and setting a 10 minute timer for each task. 

• Try 30 minute recipes so the activity fits common attention  spans.

• Give each child three simple steps (prepping, assembling, tasting) to prevent downtime.

• Offer measured examples: a 5-year-old stirs for 2 minutes, an 8 year old uses a plastic knife to chop soft fruit.

• Assume that this structure will help reduce stress and make cooking a reliably enjoyable family habit.

Conclusion

Cookbooks are far more than simple collections of recipes, they are tools that bring Canadian families together, nurturing education, creativity and meaningful connection. From recipes for any occasion to everyday meal planning , these resources simply cook , inspire variety , and help create cherished family memories.

Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special celebration, using cookbooks allows families to explore new flavors, learn together, and enjoy delicious meals every day. By combining the right resources, hands-on participation, and a touch of creativity. Canadian families can turn every mealtime into an enjoyable enriching experience.