The Genius of Play Launches a Series of Facebook Live Events with Child Development Experts

ToyQueen.com’s Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist and expert contributor to The Genius of Play’s website, shared tips with parents on how to build gross motor skills in preschoolers in an engaging half-hour session.

February 26, 2018 | The Genius of Play is sharing knowledge from its impressive roster of child development and play experts with parents on Facebook.

On February 7, The Genius of Play hosted its first Facebook Live event that featured ToyQueen.com’s Keri Wilmot, a pediatric occupational therapist, educational toy expert, and contributor to The Genius of Play’s expert advice section. During the event, Wilmot shared tips with parents on how they can build their preschooler’s gross motor skills, including: how playing on the monkey bars can help with handwriting; how singing and dancing along to Itsy Bitsy Spider improves coordination; and how kicking a soccer ball helps kids focus in class.

The half-hour event had nearly 700 views and more than two dozen comments and questions from engaged participants. Watch the video of the live event on YouTube.

“Our first Facebook Live was a testament to the fact that parents are eagerly seeking the knowledge our experts can share,” said Anna Yudina, The Toy Association’s director of marketing initiatives. “We started our expert advice section a few years ago with just 12 contributors. Since then it has grown into a great resource for parents and caregivers, backed by more than 50 experts who regularly contribute articles on the developmental benefits of play. We plan to do more Facebook Live events in the coming months to feature our experts and to help parents with practical information and tips around important play and developmental topics.”

In late March, Dr. Erik Fisher, a psychologist and a leading emotional dynamics expert, will discuss how play can help kids learn to manage their emotions. On April 19, Dr. Amanda Gummer, founder of Fundamentally Children, the UK’s leading source of expert, independent advice on child development and play, will discuss barriers to play, including time, money, and overscheduling of kids’ time. Gummer will offer suggestions of what parents can do to overcome these challenges.

The toy community is encouraged to share The Genius of Play’s Facebook Live with online fans and followers, inviting them to join the events. Simply share directly from The Genius of Play’s Facebook page. Members can email Jackie Retzer with questions or for more information.

The Genius of Play is a national movement spearheaded by The Toy Association to raise awareness about play’s critical role in child development and encourage more play in children’s lives. Visit The Genius of Play’s website to view expert advice from play and child experts ranging from child psychologists to play community activists.