Lucky Things Kids: A brunch date with Little Tikes and play expert Emma Kenny

It was fun catching up with the Little Tikes and Azaria PR team to check out the new Little Tikes Baby range. On my way into London town on Wednesday, I gave up my seat for a lady as she was expecting. I started chatting to the couple who were going to become parents for the first time. They were so inspiring. They had a really fresh outlook as parents-to-be. We talked about the pressure to read lots of parenting -baby books. We agreed it was just about finding your own groove and getting to know your baby. I’m so excited about their new journey. They have lots to look forward to, especially when it comes to watching their little ones grow and develop through everyday play time.

At the Little Tikes event, we had a fun morning brunching, eating lots of cake and playing with toys. We even managed to play some baby shower games. The baby photo quiz reminded me of the one my friends arranged for my own baby shower. The Baby Blooms cakes made up of baby clothes were gorgeous. The baby in the fruit moses basket was too cute to eat.

I loved the talk by child psychologist and more importantly ‘play expert’ Emma Kenny. Here’s 7 things I loved about what Emma had to say…

  1. It’s all about making your little ones feel like the most important people in the world. Kids love our attention. We love watching our girls play with their toys and get on with their busy tasks! I know it’s very easy for parents these days to get distracted by their phones or work emails when we think the kids are busy playing.
  2. Emma talked about the positive link between babies and children sleeping well and having quality play time during the day. With our girls, I’ve noticed they sleep much better after lots of play time after lunch time or tea time even if it’s in their bedrooms.
  3. It’s not always about reading the latest parenting book or taking our children to the latest adventure playground. According to the Little Tikes research survey, one of the most important things parents care about is seeing their children happy.
  4. These days there are some amazing toys out there. When we were children, toys weren’t as focused on developing our skills and senses as little people.
  5. It’s the little moments that parents treasure when watching their babies and children grow like seeing their little ones dance for the first time. We have regular lounge discos in our house (with disco lights and mummy or daddy on the decks!) Baby Munch has been dropping some great dance moves recently. I can’t wait to show her some of the Light ‘n’ Go toys at our next disco.
  6. Emma reminded us how toys play a key role in a baby’s emotional, social and physical development. Lots of the Little Tikes toys encourage interaction, tummy time and some even help to strengthen their core muscles. If only some of the Little Tikes toys came in my size to help my core muscles!
  7. It’s about helping babies and children reach their development milestones in simply ways by just letting them play with their toys.

Emma also shared other interesting facts from the Little Tikes research survey. Here are some of their findings*…

  • 25 % of parents said the hardest part of being a mum or dad is the constant tidying up, with 22% saying bed-time issues (including the sleepless nights) and 14% mentioning the battle to get your little one to sleep.
  • Parents found the simple things most rewarding – with 38% saying that seeing their little one laugh was the most fulfilling feeling.
  • When it comes to baby’s all important development, 32% of parents said the most heralded milestone is sleeping through the night, followed by 26% mentioning walking and 15% felt it was talking.

So it was a morning of facts and lots of fun. It was lovely hanging out with Nadia from ScandiMummy, Emma from The Joy of Five, Becky from Wishes and Wellies, Fran from Whinge Whinge Wine, Ruth from Rock n Roller Baby, Emily from Emily and Indiana and Tina from Loved by Parents. It was also great chatting away to Amanjit, Emma and Amber from Azaria PR and Michelle, Victoria and Beth from Little Tikes UK. I also had a lovely chat to Mirella (thanks for the inspiring and supportive words, you rock!)

During the brunch we had fun testing out these Little Tikes gems…

  • Light ‘n’ Go Catching Lights Tiger Walker
  • Light ‘n’ Go Movin’ Lights Monkey (at last someone who will dance with me)
  • Light ‘n’ Go 3-in-1 Activity Walker
  • Light ‘n’ Go Activity Garden
  • Good Vibrations Deluxe Activity Gym

In the meantime, don’t forget to check out the Little Tikes website for more kids play tips from Emma Kenny. Happy play time everyone!

Enjoy lucky things and see you again soon.

x Sunita

*Findings from the parenting survey research commissioned by the leading toy company Little Tikes who quizzed 1,500 UK parents on their first year of parenting.

All photos are my own. Thanks to Becky from Wishes and Wellies who let me feature a photo of her daughter having fun with the Light ‘n’ Go 3-in-1 Activity Walker.

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
Please follow and like us:

14 thoughts on “Lucky Things Kids: A brunch date with Little Tikes and play expert Emma Kenny

  1. Lucy At Home says:

    I love watching my daughters playing (especially when they are doing voices for their toys). I’ve always found that, if I join and make the toys talk, my daughter will tell them all sorts of things that she’d never tell me. It’s fascinating! #TheList

    • Sunita says:

      Making the toys talk is such a fun thing to do. It’s great your daughter loves chatting to them too. I know I have lots of fun at play time (but I am just a big kid!) Thanks for stopping by Lucy, hope to see you again soon x Sunita #TheList

  2. Mouse, Moo and Me Too says:

    Sounds like a fab day and you’ve got some great photos! I’m with the research – I definitely find the constant tidying up quite grating. I’m a bit OCD so I can’t just dismiss it all, I like things back in their rightful home at the end of every day! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday.

    • Sunita says:

      Ah thanks so much. Managed to take some snaps amongst the serious play time!!! Yes tidying is takes up a lot of time. I’m a bit like you. At the end of the day I prefer things to be tidied up. Nice way to start the next day although the lounge is soon redecorated with toys! See you again #KCACOLS

  3. mudpiefridays says:

    Wow what a great day out! I am sure my five month old would love some of the toys pictured in your post. I’ve always believed play to be the most important thing you can give your kids other than love of course. Will keep an eye out for your other posts. Popping by from #thelist

  4. Tracey Bowden says:

    It looks like a great event! I agree with finding the constant tidying up hard and also agree with link between playing and having a good night sleep, I have always found this to be true with my daughter #kcacols

Leave a Reply to Tracey Bowden Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *