Play with Purpose

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Alexis Ralphs

Founder of 100 Toys, now at Play with Purpose. Helping your child become an independent self-starter who makes her own fun.

Present bias: why now matters more than later

Present bias: why now matters more than later

Would you pass the 'marshmallow test'? Could you give up a reward in exchange for something better in the future? It's something children find very hard to do. How can we use this knowledge to nudge them towards more play?

Commitment devices: keeping your promise to play

Commitment devices: keeping your promise to play

When you commit to doing something, it's more likely that you'll keep your word. So why not commit to play?

Nudges vs habits: how to make independent play effortless

Nudges vs habits: how to make independent play effortless

Nudges make play appealing; habits make play inevitable.

Make play inevitable: how nudges guide your child towards independent play

Make play inevitable: how nudges guide your child towards independent play

Set up your home so that play happens automatically with well-placed nudges.

From scattered to self-directed: the power of executive functions

From scattered to self-directed: the power of executive functions

Executive functions are your child's inner conductor - the part of her brain that coordinates thoughts, actions, and feelings.

Unstructured play: How bored children become brilliant

Unstructured play: How bored children become brilliant

What could happen if you stepped back today and let play unfold naturally?

How to help your child become independent without constant nagging

How to help your child become independent without constant nagging

Does your child rely on you to stay organised? Are you too quick to give instructions? Help her become more independent by asking the right questions.