Educational activities and toys for summer

Introduction: The Challenge of Family Summer

Summer is approaching, and with it, a mix of emotions in homes: excitement about the holidays, but also stress over the logistics of caring for the little ones. Some families can afford to send their children to camp, while others rely on grandparents or, as in many cases, are trying to balance teleworking and parenting without losing their minds.

I recently saw a mother on social media sharing something that touched my heart: "We only have 18 summers with them . " This simple phrase is a call to action. Because yes, time flies. And although it sometimes seems impossible to find the balance between work, parenting, and quality time, there are tools that can help us.

One of them is educational toys . They don't just entertain, they also teach. Today, in this article, we'll delve into how to take advantage of the summer to support our children's development, without neglecting our obligations and also taking care of our mental health.

What are educational toys and why are they so important?

Definition and key benefits

An educational toy is one that, in addition to entertaining, stimulates the development of cognitive, emotional, physical, and social skills. We're not just talking about toys with letters or numbers, but tools that allow people to learn through play.

Main benefits:

• They encourage creativity and imagination .

• Improve problem solving .

• They stimulate fine and gross motor skills .

• They reinforce values ​​such as cooperation, patience and empathy .

• They help manage emotions and build autonomy.

Stages of development and types of toys

Age	Recommended toys
1-3 years	Stackable, interlocking, textured, pull-along toys
3-6 years	Symbolic games, constructions, simple puzzles, interactive stories
6-9 years	Science kits, cooperative board games, complex constructions
9-12 years	Robotics, art, strategy and logic games

Summer: challenges and opportunities

The routine changes… and that affects them

Summer disrupts family life. Schedules, meals, and sleep routines are disrupted, and children notice these changes, even if they can't always express them.

At first, they're happy, then they may get bored or even irritable. This is normal. They're away from their peers, have less structure, and lots of stimulation. That's why it's important to maintain some predictable routines:

• Fixed time to wake up and go to bed.

• Daily moments for free play and guided play.

• Spaces of silence or relaxation.

• Family activities.

Reconciling teleworking with children at home

If you work remotely like me, you know how difficult it can be to concentrate with children demanding attention. This is where educational toys become our best allies. Here are some tips:

1. Divide your day into blocks: alternate work with breaks where you can play or be present.

2. Prepare a "treasure box": with toys that only come out during your work hours.

3. Create play areas by activity type: reading, building, art...

4. Plan weekly mini-projects: for example, an experiment, a model, or a summer journal.

Activities to do with children (or that they can do alone)

If they are with you

• Cooking together: from cakes to homemade ice cream. They learn measurement, patience, and nutrition.

• Free art: markers, tempera paints, clay. The goal isn't the result, it's the process.

• Storytelling or puppet shows: using costumes or puppets to create stories.

• Homemade STEM projects: how to make a baking soda volcano or build a stick bridge.

If they are with the grandparents

• Traditional board games: goose, parcheesi, dominoes. They help bring generations together.

• Crafts with recycled materials: foster creativity and sustainability.

• Symbolic games: shops, doctors, kitchens.

If you go to camp

Talk to your child about what they'll be doing. Encourage them to keep a journal or record videos recounting their day. This strengthens the family bond and keeps them motivated.

How to choose quality educational toys

Criteria to take into account

1. Recommended age: make sure it is adapted to their stage.

2. Safe materials: better if they are sustainable like PLA or wood.

3. Multifunctionality: allowing more than one way to play.

4. Pedagogical value: that stimulates specific skills.

5. Durability: able to withstand the pace of the little ones.

Examples of recommended brands and toys

• Micro space: Biodegradable materials, constructions and family connection.

• Lego Education: robotics, creativity, STEM.

• Smart Games: Logic and Problem Solving.

• Djeco: artistic design and creative proposals.

And what about emotions in summer?

Emotional management and family communication

During the summer, it's common for children to express more intense emotions. Sometimes it's out of boredom, sometimes it's out of anxiety, or simply because they need attention.

How can we help them?

• Naming emotions: "You're frustrated because you can't…"

• Providing tools: books about emotions, cards with faces, role-playing games.

• Creating safe spaces: without judgment, where they can express themselves without fear.

Games that help express emotions

• "The Color Monster" (book and game).

• Emotion dice.

• Boxes to draw what they feel.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use educational toys even if my child is at camp?

Of course! You can reinforce learning when you get home, on weekends, or during family vacations.

2. What do I do if my child gets bored with educational toys?

Sometimes they need a new idea. Try changing the environment (playing in the garden or on the balcony), adding a challenge, or getting involved yourself to motivate them. At Micro Espacio, we're constantly sending out game ideas you can use with your children.

3. Are educational toys expensive?

Not necessarily. Many can be made at home with recycled materials, or you can find affordable options at Micro Espacio. We design and produce them with sustainable production policies. Remember, the important thing is the purpose of the toy, not its price.

Conclusion: 18 summers and a thousand opportunities

Summer isn't just a break from the school routine. It's an emotional and educational adventure for the whole family. We can experience it through chaos or connection.

At Micro Espacio, we encourage you to make this summer a meaningful experience. Whether you're working from home, counting on grandparents, or planning family getaways, remember that every game, every laugh, every shared moment counts.

And if we can help you navigate it with toys that educate and entertain, even better!

Because childhood doesn't repeat itself, and every summer can be an unforgettable chapter in their story... and yours.