The link between constructive play for children and toddlers, and the benefits educationally of certain toys, puzzles and games which promote both dextrous movement and elements of thought and puzzle solving has long been established.

However, during the 1960′s and 1970′s, the type of play, the supervision required, along with that particular toys and games that utilised had not been sufficiently studied for there to be any concrete evidence that educational toys and games had specific benefits. So what has changed since then, and where are we headed with children’s development through play? Here are 5 areas where change has had a positive impact.

1 – Independent reports in the United States and United Kingdom during the 1990′s have established exactly what toys and activities benefit preschool children. Furthermore, this latest research has been refined to the extent that it is now possible to target particular areas of a childs growth and encourage play with particular games and puzzles to focus on any areas where the parent or carer feels that stimulation is required.

For example, reasoning, dexterity, empathy towards others, numeracy, literacy and social interactions are among the many different skills that can be individually targeted with specific toys and methods of play.

Much of the research reinforces the common sense view is that manual puzzles promote dexterity and that reading and writing as well as basic numeracy should be encouraged at an early age.

Where this new research really has great benefits is in the specific ideas and support it gives to manufacturers of these educational toys and games as to how exactly to implement them properly for the very best benefit.

2 – Combining simple games of colour and shape matching with toys that require a basic level of agility and manual precision can lead to a child developing in more than one area at once. It is worth remembering how much information a child will absorb with little of no conscious effort. Combining various elements of growth through play has proved very beneficial.

3 – The need for emotional and social development is finally being understood.

With the world in general becoming an increasingly insular place, it is important that a child emotional and empathetic developments is also catered for. Simple ideas such as sharing, empathy and understanding are now considered a vital part of a preschool child’s education.

Again, research into the actual toys, puzzles and games which best benefit this area of a childs growth had been researched thoroughly. This area is considered one of the most important going forward. So it is good to note the research that has been undertaken to allow you to best help your childs emotional and social development.

4 – Governments and educational establishments are finally embracing the new ideas and funding for educational toys and games in the public sector is at an all time high.

In short. Not only are the benefits of learning through play acknowledged ny just about everyone, it has now been established that it is a very cost effective way of progressing a childs education.

Finally, one issue that still needs addressing;

5 – One sticking point which continually frustrates those who look to progress in the field of educational toys and games. That is the periodic “muddying of the water” that changes in government on a national level make every few years.

It is now become apparent that ownership for the continued research into educational toys and games needs a none-partisan approach. As administrations change in the United Kingdom and the USA, government bodies are restructured and support services for parents and carers aimed at giving advice on education through play are either abolished or re-formed in very different structures every few years.

What is required is a non-political body which has the continuous remit of ensuring that both ongoing research into education through play as well as the resources available to parents and carers are consistent and always reflect the very best possible practices regardless of which political administration is in charge.

This issue aside, we should take great comfort in the fact that we now live in a world where babies and preschool educational toys and games are refined to the point where a parent or carer can target specific areas of need with confidence.

If you’re anything like me chances are good that you look forward to a new year just as much as I do. This is especially true when it comes to making sure your start your home based business off on the right foot.

With each new year a renewed interest lights a spark in my entrepreneurial spirit motivating me to make it my best work at home business year ever.

In this article I’m going to provide 5 tips to making sure you start your business off the right way for the new year. Stick with me and let’s make this the best year for your home based business.

Successful Business Builder Tip Number 1 – Learn From Past Failures And Then Let Them Go

Let’s be real for a quick second. There is nothing more devastating to the future success of your business then dwelling on mistakes you have made in the past. Even if the last 12 months represent the worst times for your business don’t despair, things can and will get better. Instead focus your efforts on identifying what mistakes you made and what you can learn from them and what you can do to prevent them from happening again.

Successful Business Builder Tip Number 2 – Set Realistic and Achievable Goals

If you start the new year off with a goal to have 5000 new downline members under you or to make a million dollars within 6 months you might not see the success you deserve. I say might because the reality is, anything can happen.

However, I have found that setting realistic goals such as adding a new consultant to your team every week or every two weeks to be a much more realistic goal and easily achievable. This prevents you from setting your objectives up to high thus avoiding the feeling of failure if you don’t achieve or realize those outlandish goals.

Successful Business Builder Tip Number 3 – Outline Your Blueprint For Success

In tip number 2 I talked about setting goals. This tip enhances and improves upon that objective and it involves developing and creating a bona fide blueprint for business success.

You’ll want to identify how many hours a week you can spend working on your business, how you are going to generate leads for your downline, how you are going to generate new customers, how you intend to train your new consultants and when you plan to incorporate rest cycles into your busy business day. You will need to focus on items like this and more if you plan to make this year your best ever as a business owner.

Successful Business Builder Tip Number 4 – Don’t Make Excuses For Not Succeeding

Here is one main difference that I have noticed between the successful consultants in my downline and the consultants that struggle. The fact is, my most successful downline members don’t make excuses for not getting something done.

Instead they follow the success blueprint they designed to grow their home based business. Additionally, when they stumble (trust me, we all stumble every now and then) they quickly regroup and refocus their energy and determination to succeed back into their job.

Successful Business Builder Tip Number 5 – Celebrate The Victories No Matter How Small They May Be

This is one of my favorite motivational tools and it focuses on celebrating every victory no matter how small it may seem. This could range anywhere from generating your first sale, receiving your first $1000 check from your company or signing up your first downline member. It’s OK to get excited and celebrate these milestones as you continue your journey to creating a life changing business.