Hey there, Wonderful Mama,
If you're anything like us, you’re constantly walking that delicate tightrope—wanting your kids to have the freedom to explore and imagine, while also navigating the pull of screens and digital everything.
We get it. Screens are part of life these days. They help us buy time while making dinner, offer learning opportunities, and—let’s be real—sometimes they’re the only thing keeping our sanity intact. But lately, we’ve found ourselves reflecting on something: how different our own childhoods felt. More mud pies, more blanket forts, more hours spent in worlds we dreamed up ourselves. And it’s made us wonder… are our little ones getting enough of that kind of play?
Today, we just wanted to share a few gentle reminders—mom to mom—about why playtime matters so much, and how we can invite more of it back into our homes and hearts.
Screens Are Everywhere—But Balance Matters
Tablets in the car, shows during snack time, online homework—it’s the new normal. But we’ve been hearing (and feeling) something that’s hard to ignore: too much screen time can make it harder for kids to focus, regulate emotions, and sleep well.
Honestly? We’ve seen it firsthand. That foggy, cranky mood after too much tablet time. The way it’s harder to jump back into pretend play. It’s not about guilt—we’ve all been there—it’s about being intentional and creating balance where we can.
The Magic of Open-Ended Play
There’s something incredible about watching your child get completely lost in their own little world. Whether they’re building a “mouse house” under the table or running a pretend bakery with their dolls, you can almost see their imagination blooming.
Play isn’t just fun—it’s essential. It builds confidence, problem-solving skills, creativity, coordination, and resilience. It teaches cooperation and patience. It gives our kids a way to process the world around them in the safest way they know—through their imagination.
And here’s the beautiful part: it doesn’t take much.
Our Favorite Playtime Tools
At Allen Rose, every product we carry passes a simple test: “Would we want this in our own homes?” Here are a few of our tried-and-true favorites—the ones our kids return to again and again:
- Stapelstein: These colorful stacking stones have been everything from cupcakes to ninja stepping stones in our homes. They’re amazing for movement, balance, and creativity—and they look beautiful, too.
- Maileg Mice & Dollhouses: Pure magic. Our little ones tuck them into bed, pack them snacks, and send them on adventures. Gentle, imaginative play that often pulls siblings together.
- Olli Ella Dinkum Dolls & Baskets: These sweet dolls go everywhere. Doctor visits, pretend grocery runs, tea parties—they invite nurturing and storytelling in the most natural way.
- Tender Leaf Toys: From stacking blocks to pretend kitchens, these wooden sets are full of open-ended possibilities. They grow with your child, always offering something new.
Small Shifts That Help
We’re not perfect, and we don’t believe in rigid rules. But here are a few little shifts that have made a big difference in our homes:
- Create “yes” spaces for play. A cozy corner with books and dolls. A shelf with open-ended toys. A mat where building is always welcome. When play is accessible, kids jump in.
- Protect a few screen-free spaces or times. We aim for no screens at the table, in bedrooms, or first thing in the morning. It helps reset the rhythm of the day.
- Let them lead. Some of the best play happens when we step back. Letting them make the rules—no matter how wacky—builds independence and confidence.
- Get outside. A backyard picnic. Chalk drawings. Puddle jumping. Outdoor time always shifts the energy in the best way.
From Our Family to Yours
Mama, there’s no perfect formula. We’re certainly not here to add pressure or guilt. Screens are part of life—they’re not going anywhere. But we’ve found, both in our homes and at Allen Rose, that creating just a little more space for real, open-ended play makes a world of difference.
It’s about raising kids who feel confident in their ideas, who know how to move their bodies, and who find joy in simple, quiet moments—not just the loud, flashy ones.
If you’re looking for ways to bring more of that play into your home, our collection is filled with thoughtfully chosen pieces we love and trust. Not trends. Not toys that beep and blink. Just meaningful tools that help childhood feel a little more like… well, childhood.
xoxo,
Jenna & Raquel