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Ivan Tzotschew shows off his creation
with classic unit blocks at The Children’s Playhouse.
Photo submitted
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As the holidays roll around again, many parents are faced with
a balancing act: how to give their kids healthy, classic toys
that are kind to the environment and kind to the family budget.
Some might flock to the discount stores, but others may decide
to focus on fewer toys but will choose high quality items that
will last and that they can feel good about.
Another green solution is to bring the kids to The Children’s
Playhouse, the High Country’s only nonprofit children’s
museum for kids, birth to age 8. “We find we don’t
need a ton of toys when we can always play at the Playhouse,”
remarked Playhouse member Leigh Reid, mother of six.
“In the six years the Playhouse has been open, we have
found that the toys kids like the best aren’t fancy electronic
gadgets but the simple items that are sturdy and allow them
to explore cause and effect and use their imaginations,”
said Kathy Parham, Playhouse co-founder and executive director.
“That is why we are so excited about this donation from
Green Mother Goods. These will be beautiful items that will
really upgrade our baby and toddler area.”
Green Mother Goods, a locally owned business specializing
in organic cotton clothing, fair-trade gift items, natural toys
and local art, is donating several hundred dollars worth of
wooden, eco-friendly toys to The Children’s Playhouse.
Green Mother Goods co-owners Meredith Anders and Debbie Golembieski
will visit Toddler Time at The Children’s Playhouse from
10-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 to introduce the safe, earth-friendly
toys Green Mother Goods is donating to the Playhouse and discuss
things to consider when choosing toys for infants and toddlers.
Families are invited to try the toys Green Mother Goods is donating
and pick up valuable coupons for Green Mother Goods.
Toddler Time and Baby Lap Time are weekly play and support
groups offered by the Playhouse. Toddler Time meets on Thursdays
from 9:30-10 a.m. Geared for toddlers walking through 23 months,
their parents and siblings, it is a time for toddlers to interact
and parents to talk while the Playhouse is quiet. Facilitated
by Amber Mellon, Toddler Time is free to members or with paid
admission to The Children’s Playhouse. Baby Lap Time meets
every Friday from 9:30-10 a.m. and is facilitated by child development
specialist Rebekah Cummings. Older siblings are welcome.
“This is a great opportunity to meet other parents and
exchange ideas and concerns,” a Playhouse spokesperson
said.
The program is free to members, and infants under 1 year are
free. For more information, call (828) 263-0011.
About The Children’s Playhouse
Located at 400 Tracy Circle near downtown Boone, nonprofit
children’s museum The Children’s Playhouse provides
children from birth to age eight with an enriching play environment
while at the same time offering their parents friendly support
in the important job of raising children. The Children’s
Playhouse is six years old and is a member of the Association
of Children’s Museums. The Playhouse is supported in part
by Watauga County, town of Boone and the United Way.
For more information, call (828) 263-0011 or visit www.goplayhouse.org
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