Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 55

Tag, you’re out.

In an effort to limit students touching each other, the game of tag is being banned in some schools.

The “hands off” policy is designed to keep students safe from each other.

The You Tube Family

One of the stronger emerging trends is Family YouTubing.

This doesn’t show a person talking straight into the camera, but a clip of everyday issues in a real family. It’s authentic and often funny.

Because it’s real, everyone can relate.

Post a clip of a semi-staged unboxing of your Christmas decorations. See what reaction you get.

Tucked in the stocking?

Researchers show we’re spending more money on “doing things” instead of merely “things.”

Getting a haircut, picking up supper, or finishing a DIY project before the holidays might be more important than merely buying more stuff.

I wonder if the shift to buying experiences instead of things will be reflected in the number of presents kids find under the tree…of course, you can always wrap up a coupon for playing laser tag or seeing a children’s theater production.

The smart toothbrush

The IoT (Internet of Things) has made it to the bathroom.

Sonicare for Kids launched a neat data-generating electronic toothbrush. Children earn points by brushing all four quadrants of their teeth for a total of two minutes.

This may be the first year that kids will add a toothbrush to their holiday wish list!

Organic learning

We’re seeing plenty of examples of organic learning in holiday toy ads, but I keep waiting for copy writers to appeal to the thinking parent by actually using the term.

Organic learning is when kids are having so much fun, they don’t realize they’re playing with an educational toy. This can happen with all types of toys, from experiments with slime to programming a plastic bug.

At least the current push toward oppressive academics hasn’t taken all the fun out of learning!

Gender neutral

Chatter about gender neutral toys peaks as the gift-giving season gets into gear, and shoppers comment on the “pink princess” takeover of store aisles.

But gender neutral thinking has moved into the nursery. Have you noticed how, instead of blue or pink decor, expectant parents have become more fashion-forward?

Nursery decor now blends in with the rest of the house, driven by neutral and sophisticated color and design.

Simpler sex talk?

Transparent media coverage of teen moms and sexting should make it easier for parents to talk with tweens and teens about sex.

But is that happening IRL (in real life)?

I wonder how many parent-child conversations include discussions of body image, respect and healthy relationships.

Timeless Thanksgiving

A digital lifestyle has changed some aspects of shopping, but whether buying groceries for a casual meal with friends on Thursday or a traditional family Thanksgiving, the two elements that most limit food purchases are still time and money.

Some things never change.

Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving?

Are you celebrating two holidays next week?

An increasing number of Millennial parents will attend or host one traditional meal and a second event with “friends who are the family we choose.”

Is the definition of family more fluid than in the past or is the dual-holiday a sign that “family” is actually changing?

Under the cover

Have you ever purchased a book for your child, then discovered it’s a book you already have, but with a different cover?

In an effort to save development costs, an increasing number of children’s publishers are pulling “oldies but goodies” out of the files. If you look closely, you might see that the front cover has been redesigned or the color palette has been refreshed, but the content hasn’t changed.

Because it’s true that “you can’t tell a book by the cover,” be sure to open the book before buying.