New Book, Retro Toddler Shows How to Enhance Children's Language, Motor and Social Skills

CHICAGO (MAY 2018): The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents develop healthy media habits for their families – which means very limited screen time for young children, who learn best from people, not screens. It’s clear that to help keep children healthy, happy and learning, parents should explore the many benefits of going old-school with interactive, screen-free fun and games.

In Retro Toddler: MoreThan 100 Old-School Activities to Boost Development (American Academy of Pediatrics, May 2018), Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L helps parents understand the importance of engaging with their toddlers (ages 12 – 36 months) to enhance language, motor and social skills without the distractions of TV, YouTube, and noisy electronics. With more than 25 years’ experience, Zachry understands the crucial role that parents play in their toddlers’ development. She suggests many low-tech activities and stimulating toys that use items parents already have around the house!

“The suggestions for games, activities and homemade toys in Retro Toddler will help parents support their children’s physical, mental and social development, all while developing a special parent-toddler bond,” said Zachry.

Incorporating the latest recommendations from the AAP with extensive research by Zachry and other experts in her field, Retro Toddler:

• Explains the development of problem-solving skills during the toddler years
• Includes unique activities to foster the development of empathy and social skills
• Includes engaging activities that enhance the development of fine and gross motor skills
• Shares brain boosting activities that toddlers will enjoy
• Details language development between the ages of one and three years
• Reviews the research on overexposure to screens during toddlerhood
• Explains the benefits of a back-to-the-basics parenting approach

Packed with more than 100 wonderful old-school activities based on modern day research, Retro Toddler is a comprehensive guide that will help both parents and caregivers.

About the Author

Anne H. Zachry, PhD, OTR/L is a pediatric occupational therapist and child development specialist with more than 25 years, experience. She has a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, with her doctorate related to tummy time and mobility. Her research on this subject has been published in national peer-reviewed journals and her profession’s trade magazines as well as a number of leading parenting magazines and websites including Pregnancy & Newborn, Parents.com, SheKnows and Education.com. She is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association. Her blog, Pediatric Occupational Therapy Tips: (www.drzachryspedsottips.blogspot.com) averages 30,000 hits monthly. Her first book, Retro Baby, Cut Back on all the Gear and Boost Your Baby’s Development with over 100 Time-Tested Activities won the Independent Bookseller’s Benjamin Franklin Gold Medal. She is married with three children and lives in Memphis, TN.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 66,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults. For more information, visit www.aap.org and follow us on Twitter @AmerAcadPeds