This book explains why play is essential in developing a well-round, resilient child. Dr. Toy helps parents understand child's developmental stages and P.Q.-The Play Quotient. · Learn why toys are important, how to be child's "Play Tutor," how to help child use toys wisely at each stage,plus what is safe and smart to purchase. ·Learn to appreciate why playing together helps to strengthen and improve parent-child relationships Dr. Toy provides practical ideas to enhance playtime, for all children from baby to older children. Excerpt Like little sponges, children begin observing and absorbing from infancy. They learn by using all of their senses-sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Through observation, mimicry, and experimentation, children learn about the world around them and begin to gain mastery of essential skills. When a parent is involved with a baby--smiling at her, creating silly and different sounds, making the baby laugh--the parent becomes the baby's first "Big Toy." Fathers who enjoy close contact with their infants soon are distinguished from the mother by the different ways they play. The baby quickly learns to respond to a different person's sounds and touches. Through such interchanges, the infant becomes conscious of individual people. Also, she becomes aware of the environment around her. These early years are intensely formative, a period when children gain knowledge about themselves and about their environment, develop basic motor skills, discover many of their abilities, and gain the self-image and security that lasts a lifetime.

Professional Reviews
Play is the Best Tool
Dr. Toy's Smart Play is the best tool out there for parents, grandparents,teachers and anyone else with children in their lives. It's a quick and entertaining read, packed full of valuable information and ideas dealing with childhood development. I've quoted from it in Baby Magazine and Parenting and other article about children and their toys.
JJ Despain, journalist




Play is the Work of Children
Play truly is the work of childhood. Stevanne Auerbach (Dr. Toy) offers both practical advice and subtle insights for parents on how they can help their children make the most of play without spending a lot of money. This is really useful stuff!
Lawrence Kutner, Ph.D.
Child Behavior Columnist
Parent's Magazine


Understands Children, Play and Toys
· Dr. Stevanne Auerbach really understands children, play and toys. This book is a wonderful resource for parents, teachers and everyone who works and plays with children.
Michael B.Rothenberg
Professor Emeritus
Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Pediatrics
University of Washington, School of Medicine,
Co-author, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care
( 1985, 1992)

Reader Reviews for "Dr. Toy's Smart Play"

Reviewed by Joe McCarthy	5/19/2002
I'd recommend this book.

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