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Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion

LEGO DUPLO

The Magic of Play: Disney Junior and LEGO DUPLO

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Could there be a better combination for tiny tots? The magic of Disney Junior plus the fun of LEGO DUPLO? Oh my, it’s a match made in playtime heaven!

Introducing the Magic of Play tour! Disney Junior and LEGO DUPLO are hitting the road together with fun filled, FREE indoor events in 5 cities across Canada. Children can build and discover the many ways to play with LEGO DUPLO bricks while they watch and enjoy their favourite Disney Junior shows! Plus, all kiddos who stop by will take home a special Magic of Play activity booklet, which is chock full of learning fun. The best part: it’s all totally free! 

My little guys had a chance to check out the tour when it hit Fairview Mall in Toronto, ON. In addition to the bright and colourful stations featuring popular LEGO DUPLO play sets, there were several play agents on hand to help them create, build and be inspired. We arrived just before the mall opened to the public as part of the media preview, so there were a *few* cameras on hand, recording the boys as they played. Lucky for Ryder, he loves to give interviews!…

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Of Lessons, LEGO DUPLO and Little Boys

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A little over a month ago, I accepted the #LEGODUPLO 30 Days of Play Challenge. In a nutshell, the boys were asked to engage in daily themed play, with a little help and guidance from me. Both Ryder and Reid immediately took to the challenges – rising to the occasion and putting forth their best efforts. Most of the time, they were receptive to mommy’s instructions and ideas; other times, they just wanted to build towers (daily challenge be damned).

At the outset of the program, I knew the boys would get a kick out of all the different places their imagination would take them. Just opening the boxes of LEGO DUPLO was alone enough to convince them that Christmas had come twice! But one thing I wasn’t banking on – profoundly taking me by surprise – was just how much they needed me as a buddy, playing along with them.

You see, before the LEGO DUPLO Challenge, I was happy to let them play amongst themselves. Ryder and Reid are inseparable, and as a general rule, enjoy each other’s company immensely. And so I had taken it for granted that I could just throw a few toys at them and leave them to generate their own entertainment. Of course, I couldn’t do this during the 30 Days of Play; it was necessary that I guide and teach them what was expected, and how to go about accomplishing it. It was a turning point: suddenly, I realized that they were flourishing under my lead, and perhaps they needed more structured play time with mommy. I began interjecting myself during other times as well, and found them craving the attention and reciprocating with bright, funny and creative bursts of play.

Hence, for us, the LEGO DUPLO 30 Days of Play was about more than just bringing blocks together – it was about bringing us (and our imaginations) together as a family. Now THAT’S time well spent :)

The 30 Day of Challenge is still going strong for a few more days – consult the play calendar, round up some LEGO DUPLO and share a special moment with your child! We’re still playing together every day, except now, Ryder creates some challenges of his own!

Click here to visit The 30 Days of Play Challenge.

I am participating in the LEGO® DUPLO® program by Mom Central Canada. I received compensation for my participation in this campaign. The opinions on this blog are my own.

LEGO DUPLO: 30 Days of Play Challenge!

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Now THIS is going to be a blast.

Some of the greatest perks of being a blogger is working with fabulous women who engage moms (Mom Central Canada), working with brands whom I trust and have trusted for eons (LEGO DUPLO), and participating in blog tours that are fun and help foster creativity with my little ones.

Oh, and when the swag makes their little jaws drop to the floor. (Thanks LEGO!)

Now before you get all “pshaw, that’s SO great for you” – there is DEFINITELY something in it for you too. Here’s what you need to know:

LEGO DUPLO has partnered with Today’s Parent for one of their LARGEST and MOST EXCITING campaigns ever. Each day, from February 27th through April 10th, LEGO DUPLO will be sharing one new way to play. Canadian moms: just check the Today’s Parent website each weekday to see a new “play challenge” that you can tackle with your little ones.

The awesome part: Moms will also be able to submit their own “play challenge” for the chance to win a trip for four to LEGOLAND Parks (Florida or California) and have their play idea featured in the calendar! The last five days of the 30 Days of Play Challenge will feature mom-generated ideas – it could be one of yours!

So if you’ve got some DUPLO on hand (chances are you do), have a few minutes to get creative with your children (which is much for fun than doing the dishes anyways), then submit your idea for a chance to win the ultimate family getaway! I’ll be participating in the challenges on frequent basis, but as the boys are still quite young, let’s just say that their creations will be a loose interpretation of the challenge, and will most likely require a little help from me :)…

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