As we are in the midst of the season of Black Friday Sales, our never-ending kid’s wish lists and the ever-so popular gift exchanges, it can sometimes feel like we are giving our kids toys or items that lack purpose. Wouldn’t it be great if we gave our kids a couple of gifts that were nourishing their social-emotional and behavioral development in addition to putting a smile on their face? YOU CAN!
I am an educational psychologist who works with students of all ages as well as their families. I am also a mom myself! Below are some recommendations of gifts to address certain social-emotional and behavioral needs we often see daily in our kids, but may not know how to find in the Target or Amazon abyss. These toys are what I call a two-fer; both enjoyable and educational.
1. Social-Emotional Games and Activities: Parenting EQ is a company that provides subscription boxes, games and activities that teach your child between the ages 4 to 11 (boxes differentiated by age groups), about emotional intelligence. You can buy the games, single box activities a la carte or sign up for a box subscription. These are designed to be used with the whole family. Their products cover feelings, friendship skills, self-regulation, empathy, self-care and stress management, goal setting, etc. I have met with one of the founders, a mom who is a former school counselor from San Diego, and I was so impressed with Parenting EQ products I ordered some for my office and have been referring them to clients. Check them out! https://www.parentingeq.com/shop
Got Feelings Box: The EQ Starter Kit |
2. Cooperation Board Games: Family game night can be something we look forward to or something we dread if one of our kiddos loses triggering the inevitable meltdown. Why not swap out the competitive game for a cooperative game? Think about how companies become stronger, more connected and learn from each other by doing team building activities! Your family can work together on game night to experience success together instead of highlighting one winner. Try games like Race to the Treasure, Feed the Woozle, Stone Soup or Friends and Neighbors.
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3. Sensory Bins: Sensory bins have become very popular the last few years, but they serve a purpose as well. Sensory bins are hands-on tools for children to explore their world through senses. Sensory play may calm, focus, and engage children as they are learning the world through their senses. Bins can be used to enhance play, language, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. Shop small, female-owned businesses like Discover Play Sensory.
4. Social-Emotional Learning Books: We often try to include a book in our Holiday gifts whether your kid consumes books like water or you're hoping your kid will someday open a book on their own. We can be purposeful in choosing books that also have an important social- emotional message our kids may need, whether it is about friendship, bullying, self-regulation, impulse control, empathy, integrity, etc. This also allows you as a parent to use a book as a conversation starter about topics that your child might not be willing to talk about or a topic your child is not familiar with. Based on the book The Formative Five, by Thomas Hoerr, there are 5 essential skills research has found students need to be successful; grit, empathy, self-control, integrity, and embracing diversity. Some examples of books that applaud these skills include:
a. Grit: My Day is Ruined by Brian Smith and Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
b. Empathy: The Invisible Boy, Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton and Stand in My Shoes by Bob Soronson
c. Self-Control: My Mouth is A Volcano by Julia Cook and What Were You Thinking by Brian Smith
d. Embrace Diversity: Just Kidding by Trudy Ludwig and Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun by Maria Dismondy
e. Integrity: Honest to Goodness Truth by Patricia McKissack and Little Croc’s Purse by Lizzy Finlay
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5. Self-regulation toys: Does your kid seem to have endless energy especially when you are sitting down to homework, to eat dinner or in the car? Help them manage their energy and have functional toys to use “to get their wiggles” out. There are a LOT of options out there for but some basic toys that won’t break the bank and will give your kid an energy outlet are:
a. Yoga Ball
b. Foam Pogo Stick or small Trampoline
c. Kids Tunnel
d. Bosu Ball
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6. Calming Corner or Zen Dens: Does your child have big feelings but a hard time managing them? Give them materials to make a calming corner! A calming corner teaches emotional regulation and gives kids a safe place to practice those skills. When you introduce a calming corner you want to make sure you have a calming corner or zen den agreement that includes when, how, who, why and what it will be used for. Write it down and have you and your child sign it to refer to as needed. A calming corner can be simple but effective. Calming corner/zen den starters often include:
a. A indoor tent or teepee
- Tent Ideas:
b. Stringed lights
- Light Ideas:
c. Bean bags, pillows and/or blankets
- Pillow Ideas:
d. Materials for calming activities like coloring, reading, listening to music, or snuggling.
- Calming Fidgets: https://a.co/d/6wHyPUf
- Calming Tools
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Want additional recommendations about anything on this list? Email or call me and I will give you a free 15 minute consultation with additional recommendations customized to your child’s needs for free. I have an office in Temecula and San Diego to support families in the Southern California area. I provide diagnostic testing, counseling, social skills groups, parent coaching and executive functioning support.
Contact information:
Meredith Gleason, LEP #3847
Email: meredith@achieveconcierge.com
Direct Line: 858-215-2068
Instagram: mrs.g_the_lep
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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