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  • Why Early Academics Aren’t What You Think—And Why That Matters

    by

    Gretchen Camp

    Categories:

    Walk into any parenting group, chat with moms at the playground, or scroll through social media, and it’s clear: the pressure to teach early academics is everywhere.

    “My toddler knows all their letters and numbers—what about yours?”
    “What’s the best app for teaching letters?”
    “If I don’t start teaching now, will they be behind?”

    Somewhere along the way, ABC memorization and counting to 20 became the gold standard for what it means to be a “good parent.” If a child can rattle off the alphabet at two, that must mean they’re on the right track, right?

    Wrong.

    Early academics aren’t about letters and numbers.

    The Problem with the ABCs & 123s Obsession

    Let me say this loud and clear: knowing the alphabet early does not mean a child is smart or “ahead”. It just means they memorized a song.

    Does that sound harsh? It’s not meant to be. But after teaching hundreds of kids how to read over the past 20 years, I can tell you firsthand: the kids who thrive in school aren’t the ones with strong ABC-singing skills—they’re the ones who understand sounds, make connections, and develop strong foundational skills for real learning.

    They’re the ones who can:

    • Solve problems when something doesn’t go their way
    • Focus on a task without needing constant stimulation
    • Communicate and express themselves without frustration
    • Play independently without an adult leading the way

    Those are the real life patterns that set a child up for success—not how early they can point to the letter “A”.

    The Push for Academics Is About Parents—Not Kids

    Let’s be real. A lot of the pressure to teach academics early isn’t actually about the child—it’s about parents.

    Parents want to feel like they’re doing a good job. They want validation. They want to make sure they’re not the one parent who didn’t prepare their child enough.

    And with the rise of screens and constant online comparison, that pressure has only intensified. Everywhere parents look, they see others posting about toddlers writing their names or reading sight words at three years old, and it leads to questions like:

    “Should more be done?”

    “Is this falling short?”

    “If a child isn’t ahead, does that mean they’ll be behind?”

    What Actually Matters in Today’s World?

    Here’s what’s wild: while parents are doubling down on early academics, the world is shifting in the opposite direction.

    The biggest challenges today aren’t about kids not knowing enough letters. They’re about kids who:

    • Struggle to hold a conversation
    • Lack basic problem-solving skills
    • Can’t sit still without a screen
    • Have trouble managing emotions and frustration

    Why? Because so much emphasis has been placed on memorization, and not enough on the real skills that help children succeed.

    The most valuable skills in today’s society are:

    • Critical thinking (Can a child problem-solve?)
    • Social skills (Can they interact with others without hiding behind a screen?)
    • Independence (Can they play, explore, and learn without constant direction?)

    These are the things that will carry a child through life. Not whether they knew their ABCs at two.

    What Should Parents Be Focusing On?

    For those feeling the pressure to start teaching early academics, the real question is: what actually matters?

    Because early academics aren’t about “learning apps”, “educational toys”, worksheets, or flashcards. They’re about the small, everyday interactions that build real-world skills:

    • When a child solves a puzzle, they’re learning problem-solving.
    • When they play pretend, they’re developing social-emotional skills.
    • When they build with blocks, they’re learning focus, patience, and persistence.
    • When they navigate frustration, they’re gaining self-regulation skills.

    The truth is, success isn’t about how early a child can recite letters or count to 20. It’s about whether they can think, adapt, and navigate the world around them.

    Because in the end, the goal isn’t to raise a child who can simply recall information. The goal is to raise a child who can think for themselves, solve problems, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.

    We don’t need more kids who can memorize. We need more kids who can create, collaborate, and innovate.

    Life patterns—the ability to problem-solve, communicate, and think critically—are the foundation for everything. That’s what leads to true success.

    A child who learns how to think, adapt, and explore possibilities will always be ahead.

    That’s what really matters.

  • What is a Toy Correspondent? How I’m helping parents redefine play.

    by

    Gretchen Camp

    Categories:

    Parenting is overwhelming—Let me help simplify it

    When it comes to parenting today, the sheer volume of toys, apps, and advice can be overwhelming. You want the best for your child—to nurture creativity, confidence, and critical life skills—but with so many options, how do you cut through the clutter to make the right choices?

    That’s where I come in.

    I’m Gretchen, your Toy Correspondent. My mission is to simplify the world of toys and play by helping parents understand how to raise independent, resilient, and capable children through intentional play.

    Parents often ask me, “How do I teach my child problem-solving, independence, critical thinking, and resilience?”

    The answer lies in toys and play. Most parents don’t realize that toys are more than just entertainment—they’re tools that shape critical developmental skills.

    It’s time to rethink play.

    What does a Toy Correspondent do?

    As the world’s first Toy Correspondent, my role is unique. I go beyond surface-level reviews to help parents connect the dots between play and development.

    1. Evaluating Toys for Developmental Value

    Every toy I discuss is analyzed for the skills it builds. From problem-solving and fine motor skills to language development and emotional growth, I help parents understand exactly what a toy can do for their child—and why it matters.

    2. Bridging the Gap Between Play and Learning

    Play is often overlooked as a critical tool for child development. I make it easy for parents to see how intentional play fosters skills like independence, resilience, and creativity—transforming playtime into an opportunity for growth.

    3. Providing Actionable Guidance

    Parents don’t just need to know what toys to buy—they need to know how to use them. I share practical strategies like play tips and toy rotation ideas to help parents get the most out of every toy.

    Why this role matters

    The toy industry often falls into two extremes: over-promising with “educational” claims or offering toys that don’t provide any value in supporting the growth and development of children.

    This leaves parents stuck in a frustrating cycle:

    • Buying toys randomly, hoping they’ll help.
    • Turning to apps marketed as “educational” but lacking real developmental value.
    • Feeling overwhelmed by the choices and doing nothing at all.

    Toys are so much more than objects to entertain—they are tools to teach, grow, and connect. When used with intention, they help children build the skills they need for a lifetime of learning and success.

    That’s why I’m here: to help parents rethink play and see the incredible potential of toys as tools for development.

    The benefits of having a Toy Correspondent

    1. Clarity in the Chaos

    With so many toys on the market, I cut through the overwhelm with clear, research-backed insights about what’s worth investing in—and why. My 7 Pillars for Play Framework simplifies the process by organizing toys into seven key categories, each tied to critical developmental areas like problem-solving, social skills, and cognitive development.

    2. Support for Skill Building

    The 7 Pillars for Play Framework ensures that your child’s playtime is intentional and well-rounded. By focusing on categories like pretend play, sensory play, and books, I help parents select toys that actively support cognitive, emotional, and motor development.

    3. Practical Insight

    I guide parents on how to use toys effectively, turning playtime into a powerful tool for development. In The Thriving Toddler Blueprint, I teach exactly how to create 10-minute intentional play routines that make the most of your child’s toys and foster critical skills like problem-solving, independence, and creativity.

    4. Intentional Spending

    Toys are an investment in your child’s future. I help parents avoid one-use toys and focus on items that grow with their child and provide long-term value, ensuring each purchase is purposeful.

    5. Confidence in Parenting

    There’s nothing more empowering than knowing you’re making informed decisions that support your child’s development. By following my guidance, parents feel confident, equipped, and empowered to use play as a tool for growth.

    Redefining Play for a New Generation

    I believe play is more than a pastime—it’s the foundation of learning and growth. By educating parents about which toys build which skills, how to use them intentionally, and why it matters, I’m changing the way families approach play.

    It’s time to rethink play. No more guessing. No more overwhelm. Just simple, purposeful play that sets your child up for success.

    Let’s Connect

    Whether you’re looking for toy recommendations, curious about setting up a playroom, or want to know how to create an engaging play routine, I’m here to help.

    Because when kids play with purpose, they grow with confidence.