Choosing an Educational Toy for Kids (Holiday Shopping)

This post brought to you by LeapFrog. With baby number three arriving before Christmas this year, I want to complete my gift shopping early to reduce my stress levels! Today's post has some tips for choosing the right educational toy for kids. I hope that they will helpful to any parent, family member, or friend who has special boy or girl to shop for this holiday season. Last week, I interviewed Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos, a childhood and learning expert, and she shared some insight with me on behalf of LeapFrog, which is my favorite source for educational kids' toys. And be sure to stay tuned this week for a fun LeapFrog Prize Pack Giveaway!

My questions for Dr. LeVos included:

1. What are the benefits to a child having his/her own electronic gaming system versus just playing on mom and dad's phone or tablet?

2. For readers on the fence about purchasing a LeapFrog product with separate games/apps, what is the difference between LeapFrog games/books and apps or games you can download to a phone or tablet?

3. What is an appropriate time limit to give young kids for screen time?

4. Can you recommend any specific games or apps that will challenge a young student in their reading or math skills?

5. How can parents reinforce the reading/learning skills that a child is growing through playtime with LeapFrog?

Here is her brief video response (you'll need to click over to the blog if you're viewing this post in a reader):

I hadn't thought about the fact that LeapFrog has really done the work for me...distributing apps and games that are designed and/or approved by an educator. Like most parents, I've tried wading through the free app choices on my phone and have wondered just how "educational" they are...even though they may be marketed as such!

I most appreciated her suggestion of allowing screen time as part of a "balanced diet." Someone affiliated with a company that distributes electronic toys for kids could have easily plugged "stay plugged in, all the time," but Dr. LeVos cautioned against that mentality.

If you have time to watch the short interview video above, I highly recommend it. She gave some great insight to adults looking to purchase educational toys this upcoming holiday season!

Thanks to Dr. LeVos and LeapFrog for sharing with us today!

What's your number one criteria for choosing an educational toy or app?

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Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by LeapFrog in exchange for product. It is not a financially compensated post. My opinions are, as always, my own.