Unplugged and Unstoppable: Raising Screen-Free Children
It’s unrealistic to think that most children are not going to use a computer. But it’s good to raise children to be off screens most of the time. Montessori schools don’t let children start going online until much later, yet they still have as good (or even better) exam results when they leave school.
Children’s nature campaigner Richard Louv says that in talking with doctors, they say they have less broken bones (falling out of trees – not that it’s good to have broken bones). But more repetitive strain injury and depression consultations.
Richard wrote that the saddest day of his professional life, was when he asked a boy what his favourite place was. The boy replied – inside, because that’s where all the socket are’.
If playing outdoors with pets, learn trees and flowers not safe near pets (neither are mushrooms or conkers). Also know trees to avoid near horses (including yew, oak and sycamore).
Flora and Fauna playing cards
Flora & Fauna Playing Cards are sent in printed tissue, each card features whimsical art by Eleanor Longh. This pack of cards is not just beautifully illustrated, but teaches children also about flora and fauna.
- Hearts are mushrooms
- Diamonds are wildflowers
- Spades are birds
- Clubs are bees, butterflies & moths
There are also two jokers in the deck: A seagull and pigeon!
Playing cards originated in China during the 9th century, but it was the French who developed the familiar ‘suits’ around 1480:
- Hearts represented the clergy
- Diamonds represented merchants
- Clubs represented peasants
- Spades represented knights
Threadbear Toys: batteries not included!
Threadbear Toys offers beautifully crafted wooden toys, to inspire imaginative play. Everything is FSC-certified and conforms to UK safety standards. Trees are planted for each item sold, over 80,000 so far.
The site is a compendium of three brands, between them offering contemporary natural toys in nature-inspired colours. United by their warm friendly styles and love of good design.
Natural toy shops are to be found in many towns, and focus on dolls, games and toys made from natural materials. Basically, you don’t have to press buttons to make toys ‘do things’, instead encourage creative play without batteries (choking hazards).
Only buy brands that carry safety kitemarks, have nontoxic paints and are sustainably made. Choose the correct age range (to avoid small parts) and supervise at all times.
Mentari Toys (for good imagination)
- A wooden tea set including a dotty tray, teapot, saucers, cups and spoons, sugar pot, jug and two wooden biscuits!
- An allotment crate made from rubber wood and plywood, containing non-toxic aubergine, carrot, mushroom, turnip and leek.
- A first aid kit with a toy doctor’s bag containing a stethoscope, thermometer, ear probe, scissors, and syringe.
Clover Dolls House with opening windows and decorated shutters, illustrated inside walls and extra space in the attic which can be accessed through the removable roof.
Tender Leaf (made from reclaimed rubber wood)
- A market stand for little greengrocers!
- A fridge-freezer with a dispenser that drops ice cubes, with the press of a button.
- A home kitchen with 3 cooking utensils and a hob
Threadbear soft toys and rag books
Mostly made from organic cotton (inside and out).
Lanka Kade (educational wooden toys)
Lanka Kade offers educational wooden toys, to inspire children to learn through play. With natural finishes, the range is designed in-house in Leicestershire and made by skilled artisans in Sri Lanka, who are treated and paid fairly.
From mini-beast board games to a Scottish animal collection (including a push-along Highland cow!), there is lots to love. All comply with the 2011 EU Toy Safety Directory and meet/exceed the EN71 European Toy Safety Standard.
