Charlene DeLoach on Great Day Connecticut: Vacation Week Play Reset

By , Chief Play Officer, Playroom Chronicles
TV APPEARANCE DISCLOSURE: I am not compensated for TV appearances. My time is my own, and products featured are purchased by myself or provided for demonstration and donation.

I recently appeared on Great Day Connecticut to share a smarter way families can use school vacation week to reconnect, reset routines, and keep kids meaningfully engaged without defaulting to screens.

Get a Quick Parenting-Friendly Summary To Use In This Post!

Add Playroom Chronicles as a Preferred Source on Google

During the segment, we talked about a growing concern parents feel during breaks: kids losing structure, getting overstimulated, and heading back to school more dysregulated than when they left. I shared how intentional play choices can help children stay occupied, continue learning, and return to school feeling confident and refreshed.

As the founder of Playroom Chronicles, my focus is always on helping parents choose toys that work harder by supporting creativity, movement, problem-solving, and independent engagement. Especially during unstructured weeks when kids need something purposeful to do, not just something to pass the time.

Vacation Week Toy Ideas Featured on the Show

During my Great Day Connecticut segment, I highlighted a mix of hands-on, screen-smart toys that help kids stay engaged across a full vacation week while quietly building important skills:

  • Diamond Art painting stickers, keychains, and coasters (Diamond Art Club)
  • Story Time Backgammon (ThinkFun Games)
  • LeapMove motion-based learning system (LeapFrog)
  • Build-and-play Mini Golf set (Smartivity)
  • Sugar POP Dessert Hop DIY miniature kit (Fat Brain Toys)

Each option was chosen because it occupies kids for more than one sitting, supports fine motor or cognitive development, and leaves them with something tangible to show for their time. Thus helping vacation feel productive without feeling academic.

👉 For a full breakdown of how these toys work at home, age recommendations, and why they last beyond the break, visit the complete list here.

Want More Smarter Play Ideas?

If you’re looking for more ways to make school breaks easier—and more intentional—listen to the Playroom Chronicles Podcast, where I help parents cut through toy noise and choose play that actually supports kids.

👉 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for everyday play ideas
👉 Explore my Amazon storefront for curated toy picks all year long

Big Toyween Toy Giveaway. Enter by October 31 to win a curated box of toys chosen for real play value.

Kids Toy Expert

Charlene DeLoach is a toy industry expert, consumer advocate, and founder of Playroom Chronicles. With over 15 years of experience in the toy industry, 200+ television appearances, and 350+ published articles on play and child development, she helps parents make smarter toy choices that support independent play and reduce screen time. A former attorney and mother of two with expertise in neurodivergent play, Charlene brings both professional credibility and real parenting experience to every recommendation.

Similar Posts