Sharon Evans, trauma injury prevention manager for Cook Children's Health Care System, explains that, while these may seem like gifts without much concern, it is important to understand they are vehicles. She offers families tips on how to help their children safely enjoy e-bikes and e-scooters. 

“Always wear a helmet,” emphasizes Evans.

• Always wear a helmet: Make sure you have the right helmet. For e-bikes/e-scooters that go up to 20 mph, a bike helmet is sufficient, but parents may want to invest in a stronger helmet to better protect their children.
• Perform a safety check before each ride:
  • Check the tires. Ensure they are inflated to the recommended pressure on the sidewall.
  • Check brake levers. Squeeze them while rolling the bike forward and backward to ensure the brakes engage and stop the e-bike/e-scooter.
  • Inspect your e-bike/e-scooter for loose nuts or anything that looks abnormal.
• Follow the rules of the road:
  • Always ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. Use the bike lane if available.
  • top and look both ways before entering a street or crossing an intersection.
  • Stop at all intersections.
  • Obey all traffic lights and traffic signs.
  • Be aware of your surroundings. Do not talk on the phone or text. Do not wear earbuds; you cannot hear what is happening around you.
• Night rides: Make sure you wear bright, reflective clothing. Ensure your e-bike/e-scooter has a light and reflectors.

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1. Books!

For infants and toddlers, there are chew-proof, waterproof, rip-proof brands of books available. Just do a quick Goolgle search. Classics like Dr. Seuss, Little Critter, and Curious George still are favorites too.

For elementary age and teens, start them on a series based on their interests. American Girl, Magic Treehouse, The Land of Stories, Eerie Elementary, The Babysitters Club, Survivors, Warriors, Dork Diaries, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, Goosebumps, Humphrey, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Captain Underpants, Dog Man, Wings of Fire, and The Hardy Boys are all excellent options.

2. An Activity Center

Great for keeping infants busy while you’re able to get other things done. Do NOT use a walker, this puts the baby’s hips in the wrong position and delays walking.

3. Blocks

All sorts of blocks are available online and in stores these days. Just make sure they are appropriate to prevent choking risk.

4. Board Games

Games are a great option to create family time away from screens. If you played a board or card game as a kid, chances are your child will enjoy it.

5. Bike

Tricycle, Bicycle, Scooter. Make sure it is age and size appropriate for your child, and they MUST WEAR A HELMET!

6. Arts & Crafts

Paints, sand art, beads, diamond painting, suncatchers, rainbow scratch paper, molding clay, candle making, origami, felt sewing craft kit. Low-cost dollar stores often sell wooden figures to paint, so that’s a great place to stock up on cheap and easy crafting projects.

7. Fort Building Kit

Buy one or several kits for the kiddos to make an awesome fort, tear it down, and then make again in a different way!

8. Sports equipment

Basketball goal, soccer ball and goal, baseball tee, ballet barre. Let your children pursue their current sport of interest and invest in increasing their skills and confidence.

Notice the above listed toys do not suggest any electronics. The only game system game I would recommend is one where they are up and active the entire time. Remember, aside from school work, your child should have less than two hours per day on any screen including: phone, TV, gaming system, and computer. Your child would rather spend the time with you, playing a board game or being active outside, than sitting by themselves playing on a game system.

Have a very Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, and enjoy any and all other celebrations your family takes part in!

There are so many different toys available these days, and it’s difficult to choose toys that your children will enjoy, but are also beneficial to their learning and development. Below are a few ideas of toys that will encourage the appropriate developmental skills by age group:

• Birth to 6 months: Young babies will benefit from rattles and other toys that are easy to grasp with tiny hands. Unbreakable mirrors will help your baby to visually focus and promote social and emotional development. Remember that all toys will go into their mouth at this age, so make sure all toys are safe. Tummy time is essential for developing gross motor skills and neck strength, and there are many different tummy time floor mats available.
• 7-12 months: Older babies are very interested in exploring their environment and love interactive toys. Cause and effect toys, or toys that make a response when touched, are great for learning at this age. Toys that move, such as push toys, pull toys and large balls will help your child learn to crawl and walk. Small drool-proof books with pictures will encourage bonding time with your children and develop language as you read to them.
• Toddlers (1-3 years): Toddlers are quickly learning language, fine and gross motor skills. Dolls, puppets and dress up clothes are great for pretend play and language development. Blocks, cars and puzzles will work on fine motor skills and develop hand strength. Ride on toys will develop coordination, leg strength and trunk strength. Balls for kicking, throwing and catching can advance hand-eye coordination.
• Preschoolers (4-5 years): Bicycles, tricycles and balls of all sizes are great for kids in the preschool age. It’s important to keep kids active so that they are learning coordination and balance skills. Make sure you include a helmet for safety! Video games, movies and computer/tablet games may be on your child’s wish list, but remember to limit screen time to 30-60 minutes per day. Board games are a good way to encourage play with family members as well as friends. They are also great for taking turns, learning rules and developing fine motor skills as you manipulate small pieces or dice.

About the author

Amanda Whitmire PT, DPT, is a physical therapist at Cook Children's. Physical therapy at Cook Children's focuses on large motor and functional skils to enhance development, restore function and prevent disability from pediatric conditions, illness or injury. Cook Children's has Rehabilition Services in locations in Fort Worth, Hurst and most recently in Mansfield.