This past Wednesday, the Toy Industry Association (TIA) launched a new research-backed initiative, which encourages parents and caregivers across the U.S. to take time out of their hectic lives to allow their children to build critical skills through play. The initiative, entitled The Genius of Play, is designed to remind families that playtime is more than just fun and games, and that it strengthens minds and bodies, reduces stress, builds family bonds, and offers a host of benefits that help to produce well-rounded, healthy children.
The Genius of Play features a series of short videos in digital and social media that tell the story of human development through play. The animated vignettes connect play moments to specific developmental milestones and life skills that kids learn while they are having fun. Parents, caregivers, and play lovers everywhere are encouraged to visit www.thegeniusofplay.org, where they can watch and share the videos and browse play tips, fun facts, expert advice, and more.
Parents and children across the U.S. are also being asked to take the Play Pledge and help guarantee one million hours of beneficial play this year. Once the goal of one million play hours has been reached, a charitable donation will be made to The Toy Bank.
The Genius of Play is supported by research from interviews with renowned academics, psychologists, journalists, and other play-focused professionals.