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Get Healthy By Getting More Involved With Your Human Family

Many of us included the desire to "get healthy" as one of our New Year's resolutions this year.  When we think about what this entails, we think of eating less processed foods, maybe quitting bad habits like smoking, getting more exercise and things of that nature. We do recognize that many of our lifestyle choices are not the best choices we can make.  We struggle with these and usually our self-esteem suffers as year after year, our resolutions are forgotten as the stress of daily life overwhelms us.

Why do you suppose that all those resolutions and good intentions have not resulted in a healthier population?  Many of the diseases we suffer from are on the rise.  Is it possible that we have overlooked something in our quest for "good health"?  Why is it that the bachelor who practically lives at the gym can be less healthy than the Dad from the suburbs who eats pizza, drinks beer and leads a sedentary lifestyle?

Our Lonely Hearts Are Stressed Hearts

Studies have shown that people who live alone, or who feel isolated from society, can suffer health problems not seen in other groups of people.  An article from The Institute for Genomics and Systems Biology tells us how:

"...epidemiological studies have often found that socially isolated people have shorter life spans and increased risk of a host of health problems, including infections, heart disease, and depression."

The increase in stress hormones resulting from this type of isolation can impact the immune system, result in higher blood pressure and even lead to heart disease.  Perhaps a better resolution would be to sign up for dance classes or other activities where more focus is on the social aspect of the exercise.  Resolving to be less lonely could be as good for you as quitting smoking when it comes to longevity. 

A Loving Family Is Great Health Insurance

A loving family life naturally involves many aspects that lead to better health for all involved.  Eating together, sibling relationships, strong connections to our communities and even a healthy sex life can all greatly enhance our quality of life.  These activities boost our immune systems and give us a stronger sense of purpose and direction.  There is a direct correlation between a stressful family life and a weakened immune system and greater incidence of disease.

This article from the American Psychological Association describes how:

"Chronic stressors associated with health disparities include perceived discrimination, neighborhood stress, daily stress, family stress, acculturative stress, environmental stress and maternal stress."

It is apparent that a rich and rewarding social life and family life can be a factors in better overall health and well-being.  We think resolving to get more involved in our communities and spend more quality time with our families will bring a better return on our emotional investment than getting up at 5AM to jog or depriving ourselves of Starbucks or Twinkies.

Family Game Night is a great way to find quality time to spend with our family…our game selection includes new, award-winning choices as well as those classics we all remember.

How Are You Doing With Those Resolutions?

"Not so great" would be a typical response from most people.  In fact, the percentage of New Year's resolutions that actually "stick" is dismally low.  Why do we have such a hard time keep those promises we make to ourselves every January?  There are a number of reasons why we tend to fall back into our old habits within a few weeks.  There are also some ways of approaching the tradition of resolving to make a change that can give you a much better chance of turning your resolution into a habit that is hard to break.

First, let's examine 3 ways in which we might set ourselves up for failure:

• Making The Result The Goal

When we focus on our desired outcome, i.e., to lose 20 pounds, quit smoking, eat healthier, etc., we expect to see results very soon.  This is because from a young age we are taught to see goals as achievable within a certain timeframe and that change needs to be something we can actually measure.

• Taking On A Monumental Change

While those type of changes are often part of the New Year's resolutions we make, the sheer will power necessary to make big changes is not something that comes naturally to people.  We operate best on instinct.

• Not Changing The Outside

When we try to break bad habits our focus is on changing our thinking or depriving ourselves of a ritual we practice.  This is when we tell ourselves that we have to have strong willpower.  Unfortunately, for most people, will power is not known for being very strong.  Relying on will power to facilitate change is setting yourself up for failure.

These are 3 reasons why less than 10% of us keep those promises we make to ourselves as we begin the new year.  If we would focus on changing behavior rather than seeing results right away, we would be much more likely to turn those promises into habits that are driven by our instincts.  If we would just break down the goal to the smallest detail, like not smoking in the car or with the morning coffee, it becomes easier to achieve and resist cheating.  Allowing ourselves as much time as we need also means we take baby steps until the ultimate goal is reached.  Finally, if we don't change our environment to support our resolution, failure is almost guaranteed.  It is very difficult to resolve to eat healthier if the pantry and refrigerator are stocked with junk food.  Our environment is responsible for much of our instinctual behavior so changing it along with your internal resolve, is vital. 

Resolutions are best kept when they become part of your natural motivation so make sure you can really achieve the behavior changes you seek.  The best way to make big changes is one little bite at a time.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” 

― Oprah Winfrey

If your resolutions include playing more…Grandrabbit's is a great place to start!

Gratitude For Christmas

Now that the Holiday Season is coming to a close, it is a good time to help our children remember the value of an "attitude of gratitude".  While a little over-indulgence can be good for everyone now and then, we can lose sight of just how fortunate we are when surrounded with all the glitter and abundance of Christmas.

An article from The Wall Street Journal last year reminds us that:

"The mere act of giving thanks has tangible benefits, research suggests. A 2008 study of 221 kids published in the Journal of School Psychology analyzed sixth- and seventh-graders assigned to list five things they were grateful for every day for two weeks. It found they had a better outlook on school and greater life satisfaction three weeks later, compared with kids assigned to list five hassles."

There are a number of ways that we can help "balance" the good fortune of this time of year with the more typical lives that we normally lead.

• Be A Good Example

If your "attitude of gratitude" is apparent in your everyday lives, you will be teaching by example and you can expect your children to see the world through your grateful eyes.  This will establish a solid foundation of gratitude for which to build on in the future.  Don't just tell your kids how grateful you are, let them witness your expressing that gratitude to other people.

• Say It Out Loud and Write It Down

To further cement your good example, have your children develop a daily routine of expression of gratitude.  A Gratitude Journal is an excellent tool and if writing is difficult, then have them tell you three things they are grateful for while you are having dinner or before bedtime.

• Be Grateful For The Challenges

While it is easy to remember to be grateful when things are good and the flow of abundance is great, a more important time to teach gratefulness is when times are tough.  Start with small things, like being grateful for rain because it feeds the plants and fills the pond, and work your way up to seeing how even the most distressing of situations can often have a positive outcome in the future.  Remember to look back and show your kids how things almost always work out for the best. 

Because we recognize the benefits of raising grateful kids it is important to remember that it all starts with a loving and nurturing connection with our caregivers.  When a baby is responded to with love and patience, the seeds of gratitude are then planted.  In nurturing that "seed" we will ensure that our children grow to be healthier and happier adults.

Please visit us at Grandrabbit's Toy Shoppe, to learn more about the benefits of toys and play, and how we are dedicated to helping our children grow and thrive.

Imagination Will Get You Everywhere

The next time your child approaches you wearing a crazy get-up and proclaiming themselves to be "Captain Of The Universe," take a moment to appreciate them and their creation.  By joining them in their pretend world, even for just a few moments, will give your child a confidence and self-esteem boost!  You will recognize this when your child "lights up," becoming more animated and expressive.  Their delight will be easy to recognize.  For the child, your participation gives them complete control of their world, when so often they feel like everyone else holds that power.

You can also encourage imaginative play by using toys that help your child create an alternate persona.  Toys like doctor kits, pretend kitchens with faux food, costumes or "stores" with pretend cash registers and money/credit cards.  Musical instruments are excellent for pretend play while also providing the child the benefit of making and manipulating sounds.

There are three very good reasons why an investment today in your child's imaginative play will bring a great return on that investment in the future.

• Development Of Language

One of the best things about pretending to be someone other than themselves is that it gives the child an opportunity to express that character verbally with words and language they wouldn't normally use.  This brings more sense to their world and understanding of how the adults relate to each other.

• Social Skills

Imaginative play with their peers offers the child an opportunity to "practice" how they relate to others.  Sharing is a natural behavior in this type of play and it gives us the opportunity to teach empathy skills and cooperation as well.

• Enhancing Imagination

Using your imagination is not only fun but it is also essential to a happy and fulfilling life.  If we did not have people with great imaginations, we would not build rocket ships to journey into space or make new scientific breakthroughs.  Imagination offers us the chance to build a better world.

  

So the next time your child runs past you with a shield made from a colander and a sword made from a stick, grab a sheet and tie it around your neck and join your child in vanquishing the dragons from the backyard.  Your child will benefit in many ways and you will probably experience an uptick in your own self-esteem as a bonus.

“Logic will get you from A to Z; imagination will get you everywhere.” 

― Albert Einstein

For toy ideas that will bring out the super hero in your child, visit our website or give one of our toy guides a call at 303-443-0780.

ASTRA 2012 Best Toys for Kids

As a member of the American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA) Grandrabbit’s is dedicated to providing toys and games that are educational, unique, fun and engaging. This year we are proud to carry thirteen of the 2012 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids. The 2012 Best Toys for Kids list features toys that support early childhood development, pretend play, constructive play, game play, creativity, science discovery, active play and lateral thinking! 

Here’s the best part! Our staff is knowledgeable about developmental milestones, how children play and the playability of all the products in our store. Come into a Grandrabbit’s store today and allow our outstanding staff show you the 2012 ASTRA Best Toys for Kids and guide you in finding the perfect gift! 

ASTRA Best Toys for Kids available in our stores:


Roll & Play- ThinkFun

This game designed for toddlers age 18 months and up and has been winning awards left and right. The colors on the cube correspond to colored cards each with a simple activity. It's designed to support your toddler's development and introduce play patterns and rules.



Puppet on a Stick- Educational Insights

For kids 4+ Puppet on a stick is an exciting addition to any play box. They are perfect for puppet shows, circle time, or story time, but the possibilities are endless. Inspire dramatic play and see where your imagination takes you.

E-Rangers Headquarters- Playmobil

Futuristic, Fantasy, Fun! The Playmobil E-Rangers' Headquarters is packed with pretend play potential and tons of special effect features including a real working solar cell, changing computer display and LED spotlight.



 The Zoob Challenge- Infinitoy

Zoob is an excellent building set with dynamic results. Unlike many other building sets, ZOOB peices move after you put them together! ZOOB Challenge comes with 175 pieces, string, wheels, a ball, rubber bands, a foam play pad and 25 challenges that are based on essential STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) skills. (Ages 8+)



 Look Look- MindWare
Look Look is a fast-paced matching race comprised of eight interchangeable frames packed with visual cues. Players compete to find identical creatures or solve a math challenge. Game cards reveal the challenge and the winner keeps the card. Be the first to collect enough cards to spell "Look Look" and you take the game! (Ages 6+)


TENZI- Carma Games

(Description from ilovetenzi.com)  

OBJECT:

Be the first player to get all ten of your dice to show the same number.

HOW TO PLAY:
(2-4 players.) Each player chooses a set of dice. Players hold all ten dice in their hands. Someone says “Go” and everyone rolls at the same time. Quickly look at your roll and decide which number you are going to go for. (For example, if you have more 3’s than any other number, that’s what you want to go for.) Put all your dice with that number aside, collect the remaining dice and quickly roll again. (You do not have to wait for others to roll again. Everyone rolls together only on the first roll.) Keep rolling until all ten of your dice show the same number.

WINNING:
The first player to get all ten of their dice to match (ten 3’s, for example) shouts out “TENZI” and wins the game!
 
Additionally, there's lots of other ways to play. To get a preview download the free Tenzi app for iPhone and iPad.

My First Super Science Kit- Be Amazing! Toys

Perfect for the little scientist eager to learn about their world. This Super Science kit comes with all the materials needed to conduct 75 experiments including a magnifying glass and Energy Stick to teach them about electricity and conductivity. (Ages 4-8)





Snap Circuits LIGHT- Elenco

This Snap Circuits kit makes it easy and fun to learn about electronics. There are over 175 projects you can create! Connect your ipod or any MP3 player to watch the lights change to the beat.   (Ages 8+)



Kickin' Putt- Begin Again

Begin Again toys is a local Colorado imaginative toy company. They focus on thoughtful toy design that inspires children and incorporate materials that can be or have been reduced or recycled. Kickin' Putt combines the fun of soccer, kickball, flying discs and golf! Players throw the flying disc to set the hole and then compete to kick their ball into the goal first. Sets can be combined to create a tournament setting and you can create your own version of the game! (Kids of all ages)
 
Ogo Sport RAQ- Ogo Sport

 A hand trampoline for balls: throw, catch, bounce! There's so many ways to play!

(Ages 3+)



Rush Hour- ThinkFun

The single-player traffic jam logic game! Help your little red car get out of the gridlock by shifting the rest of the traffic on the game board. The game comes with 40 challenge cards sorted by four levels of difficulty allowing players to progress at their own pace. (Ages 8+)




Rubik's The Void Puzzle- Winning Moves

A "hole" new take on the classic Rubik's cube with the added challenge of missing center "cubes". Grandrabbit's customers have reported that it moves super smoothly too! Are you ready to take on the challenge of the void?






Perplexus Twist- PlaSmart

This new 4D challenge game from PlaSmart puts a new twist on the classic Perplexus. The player must twist and realign the tracks to avoid traps, decoys and cliffhangers. A great toy for cognitive development that encourages creative problem solving, hand-eye coordination, motor skills and patience! (Ages 6+)

  

Musical Touch by Neurosmith

You have got to see this! Grandrabbit’s just got in a toy from Neurosmith called the Musical Touch. The toy is an interactive 2-4 player game that allows players to create music and sounds by holding onto one of the contacts and tapping the skin of their partner. Your skin becomes the conductor making your whole body a musical instrument. You have 8 classical melodies, 7 percussion sounds, and 7 animal sounds at your fingertips to play and create with. The tempo and the rhythm are up to you and your co-players so you can remix a classic or compose your own animal sound symphony!

Like their entire line of toys, this Neurosmith toy inspires and encourages exploration, creativity and cooperation. Children ages 3+ can practice taking turns while experimenting with music and sound.  You can trust the combination of current developmental research and technology to support your child’s critical thinking skills and creative potential. The Musical Touch is available at any of our Grandrabbit’s Toy Shoppe locations.

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