This is not your conventional toy and app review. I will name a few that I love (not sponsored), however, I want to give you a framework to help you choose them on your own!First, I review what play should look like in our homes. Open-ended and self-directed play is the best! I review some of our favorite toy companies and give you a list of TYPES of items and toys you can include in your home. Need more ideas? Visit my website below!https://www.curiousneuron.com/shopIf you need more help with this, I have my Play and Brain Development course. It has TONS of play ideas using everyday items and also explains how this is helping your child build cognitive skills. Until December 31st, 2022, use the code PODCAST30 to get $30 off this program!!!https://www.curiousneuron.com/playcampI also discussed apps we use in our homes and why we love them. I also give you some tips to help you select high-quality apps for your kids. Wondergrade for emotional learning (this is my app!) Get a 2-week free trial:https://www.wondergrade.comPok Pok for open-ended play:They were kind enough to offer you 50% off an annual subscription! Use code" Curious Neuron" and click the link below:https://playpokpok.com/redeem/ Sago Mini School:https://sagomini.com/school/Khan Academy Kids:https://learn.khanacademy.org/khan-academy-kids/Scientific Sources:Are educational preschool apps designed to teach? An analysis of the app marketThe Importance of Self-Directed PlayHow educational are “educational” apps for young children?Less-structured time in children's daily lives predicts self-directed executive functioningPutting Education in “Educational” Apps: Lessons From the Science of LearningPlease leave a rating for our podcast on iTunes! You can listen to our podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and Amazon Music. Let me know if you rate the podcast and I will send you a FREE Emotions Moutain PDF to help your child regulate their emotions. Email me at info@curiousneuron.comThank you to our supporter the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro. The Neuro is the first health sciences institution in the world to commit to Open Science, an approach to research that ensures scientific knowledge is shared widely and transparently. Join our community: Instagram: @curious_neuron Website: www.curiousneuron.com Podcast website: www.curiousneuron.com/curiousneuronpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAMkWjtcMFVrOmFPtyLk1owAmazon Music: www.amazon.com/curiousneuron