As Elizabeth was little as deep in the throes of her sensory issues (SPD), it was hard to engage her in any activities for too long.

She became overloaded quickly.

She became frustrated even more quickly.

She would meltdown, and the activity would be over.

At the time, I did not realize the things I could do to help her, so I can see how my asking her to move this item or that one, could make her frustrated related to her Dyspraxia.

And I can see how my talking a lot, or having too many things going on at one time could overload her.

And I can clearly see, as is the courtesy of hindsight, how I could have better handled to meltdowns.

But with time comes wisdom…or well, wisdom from reading and learning and experience. But wisdom none the less.

So because it was hard to engage her for long, imaginative play( pretend) was pretty hard for her to engage in for long. And it makes sense, really, if the actual world was hard enough to navigate, then how in the world would adding the work of pretend be a good thing.

But it was hard because this kind of pretend play is fun. I LOVED playing with my kids. Imagining we were on trips, building block castles and I got to be king ( I think it was simply because I was older), that that darn Barbie was having a party and traveling in her really cool sports car to get her friends. You get the idea.

But one day, one pretty spring day, months after we had started our therapy for Sensory Issues, when we had our sensory diet in place, she wanted to play tea party with my Dad. We were outside on the driveway. I went inside to get the cups and pretend cookies. It was, hands down the best tea party ever.

So when I saw this Cupcake Set, this special spring day came to mind immediately. What a wonderful tool to promote imaginative play and creativity. Or if your child is not ready for that the Cupcake Set by Green Toys will allow you to make learning how to count, color identification and strengthening those fine motor skills FUN! 

The 5 cupcakes come on their own cupcake stand. So it looks pretty, but there is more to this toy than just looking good.

The thing I liked about most about the Cupcake Set is how easy the pieces are to manipulate. By pieces I mean the cupcakes, icing and liners. There are 5 of each and can be mixed and matched.

The icing and cupcakes come in three colors. White, yellow and pink.

I also like how you can use the Cupcake Set to count with your child, separate and work by color.

The Cupcake Set is simple, but in the simplicity it would be so easy to work into therapy time with your child. It is not loud, overwhelming in color or work to use it. I think that the cupcake set, would be a nice, calm addition to anyone’s collection of “therapy” toys. I know young Elizabeth would have loved this set!

Something else to know and this is a shout out to our oldest, planet saving, daughter, Emily, is that the toy is made of recycled materials! And since the Cupcake Set by Green Toys encourages pretend eating, it is BPA. PVC and phthalates free. And dishwasher safe in the event they meet with some actual food or tea.

So if this sound like something your child would like, please take a look on our site.

I wish everyone a peaceful week. And know we are one week closer to Spring!

Michele

Author of “I Believe In You: A Mother ad Daughter’s Special Journey” and “Emily’s Sister”