Welcome to the fascinating world of interactive toy books! These books are more than just stories; they’re a whole new level of interactive learning and fun. From flipping pages to pressing buttons, these books engage children in a way that traditional books can’t. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of interactive toy books, their benefits, and how they can enhance your child’s learning experience. So, let’s dive in and discover the magic of interactive toy books!
What are Interactive Toy Books?
Defining Interactive Toy Books
Interactive toy books are a unique and innovative type of children’s book that combines elements of traditional storytelling with interactive technology. These books are designed to engage young readers in a more immersive and interactive way, encouraging them to use their imagination and creativity.
Key Features of Interactive Toy Books
- Incorporation of technology: Interactive toy books use technology such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and sound effects to enhance the reading experience.
- Multi-sensory approach: These books encourage children to use their senses other than sight, such as touch and sound, to explore the story.
- Personalization: Some interactive toy books allow children to personalize the story by adding their own name or choosing their own path in the story.
- Educational value: Many interactive toy books are designed to teach children about various subjects, such as science, history, and math, in a fun and engaging way.
By incorporating these features, interactive toy books offer a unique and exciting reading experience for children, one that goes beyond traditional storytelling.
Benefits of Interactive Toy Books
Interactive toy books offer a range of benefits for children’s learning and development. Some of these benefits include:
- Enhancing cognitive skills: Interactive toy books provide children with opportunities to engage in active thinking and problem-solving, which helps to develop their cognitive skills.
- Promoting language development: Many interactive toy books are designed to promote language development by incorporating speech, rhymes, and songs into the story.
- Fostering creativity: Interactive toy books often encourage children to use their imagination and creativity, allowing them to explore new ideas and concepts.
- Building social and emotional skills: Some interactive toy books focus on social and emotional development by teaching children about feelings, empathy, and relationships.
- Encouraging physical activity: Some interactive toy books include physical components, such as flaps to lift or buttons to press, which can encourage children to engage in physical activity and develop their fine motor skills.
Overall, interactive toy books offer a fun and engaging way for children to learn and develop, providing a wealth of benefits that can help to promote healthy growth and development.
Types of Interactive Toy Books
Electronic Toy Books
Electronic toy books are a type of interactive toy book that use technology to enhance the reading experience. These books often include features such as sound effects, music, and animations that bring the story to life. Some electronic toy books also include interactive elements, such as touch-sensitive pages or buttons that allow the reader to control the story’s progression.
Electronic toy books are a popular choice for young children, as they provide an engaging and interactive way to introduce them to the world of reading. They are also a great option for older children who are interested in technology and may be more likely to engage with a book that incorporates digital elements.
One of the main benefits of electronic toy books is that they can be easily updated and changed, allowing the content to remain fresh and relevant over time. This makes them a great investment for parents who want to provide their children with a range of interactive reading experiences.
Overall, electronic toy books are a fun and interactive way to introduce children to the world of reading. They offer a range of features and benefits that make them a popular choice for both parents and children.
Augmented Reality Toy Books
Augmented Reality (AR) technology has revolutionized the way children interact with books. AR toy books are designed to merge the digital and physical worlds, providing an immersive reading experience that engages young readers like never before. These books incorporate interactive elements such as animations, 3D models, and audio effects, making them an exciting addition to a child’s library.
Some key features of AR toy books include:
- Interactive Elements: AR toy books are designed to be interactive, with elements such as animations, sound effects, and 3D models that enhance the reading experience.
- Digital Overlays: AR technology superimposes digital images and information onto the physical book, allowing readers to see additional content and visuals that complement the story.
- Gamification: Many AR toy books incorporate gaming elements, such as puzzles, quizzes, and mini-games, that encourage children to engage with the story and learn while they play.
- Personalization: Some AR toy books allow readers to personalize their experience by choosing their own story paths or customizing characters, making the reading journey unique and engaging.
Some popular examples of AR toy books include:
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar AR”: This interactive version of the classic children’s book features animated illustrations and 3D models that bring the story to life. Children can interact with the story elements, such as the caterpillar’s food choices, and watch as the caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.
- “Wild Animal AR”: This AR book allows children to learn about different animals in a fun and interactive way. The book features pop-up illustrations and animations that showcase the animals’ unique characteristics and behaviors, making it an engaging and educational experience for young readers.
- “The Magic School Bus AR”: Based on the popular children’s book series, this AR book brings the magic of the school bus to life. Children can explore the inner workings of the bus and learn about science concepts through interactive animations and 3D models.
AR toy books offer a unique and exciting way for children to engage with stories and learn new concepts. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative and immersive interactive toy books in the future.
Pop-Up Toy Books
Pop-up toy books are a type of interactive book that feature three-dimensional (3D) images or characters that pop up from the pages. These books are designed to engage children and encourage their imagination and creativity. Pop-up toy books come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from simple flaps and tabs to more complex pop-up scenes and structures.
One of the advantages of pop-up toy books is that they provide a tactile experience for children, as they can touch and interact with the images and characters on the pages. This helps to develop their sense of touch and encourages them to explore the book in a more hands-on way.
Pop-up toy books are also educational, as they often include information about the topic or theme of the book. For example, a pop-up toy book about animals might include facts about each animal’s habitat, diet, and behavior. This helps children to learn about the world around them in a fun and interactive way.
Pop-up toy books are typically designed for children aged 3 and up, although some books are suitable for younger children as well. They are a great way to introduce children to the world of books and encourage them to develop a love of reading.
In conclusion, pop-up toy books are a popular and engaging type of interactive book that offer a tactile and educational experience for children. They are a great way to encourage children to explore the world around them and develop their imagination and creativity.
Sound Book Toy Books
Sound Book Toy Books are a type of interactive toy book that uses technology to bring the story to life through sound effects and music. These books typically have a built-in audio player or can be played using a smartphone or tablet.
Some examples of Sound Book Toy Books include:
- The Gruffalo Sound Book: This book brings the popular children’s story to life with sound effects and music. The Gruffalo’s growl can be heard as you turn the page, and the music changes to reflect the mood of the story.
- Peppa Pig Sound Book: This book features Peppa Pig and her family, and includes sound effects and music from the TV show. Children can press buttons on the pages to hear Peppa and her friends talk, laugh, and sing.
- Disney Princess Sound Book: This book features popular Disney Princesses such as Cinderella, Belle, and Ariel. Each page includes a sound effect or music clip that brings the story to life.
Sound Book Toy Books are a great way to engage children’s imagination and provide a fun, interactive way to experience their favorite stories. They can also help to improve children’s listening skills and encourage them to use their imagination.
How to Choose the Right Interactive Toy Book
Factors to Consider
When choosing an interactive toy book, there are several factors to consider. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Age and Developmental Stage: The age and developmental stage of the child should be taken into account when selecting an interactive toy book. Books designed for younger children will have simpler, more interactive elements, while those aimed at older children may have more complex stories and challenges.
- Interactive Elements: Different interactive toy books offer different types of interactive elements. Some may include touch-sensitive pages, flaps to lift, buttons to press, or other tactile experiences. Consider the child’s preferences and abilities when selecting a book.
- Content and Themes: The content and themes of the book should also be considered. Some children may be interested in books with educational themes, while others may prefer more imaginative or adventurous stories. Look for books that align with the child’s interests and provide opportunities for learning and growth.
- Durability and Quality: Interactive toy books are often handled frequently and can be subject to wear and tear. Consider the durability of the book and its components, such as the pages, illustrations, and interactive elements. Look for books made with high-quality materials that can withstand the test of time.
- Price and Value: Finally, consider the price and value of the book. Interactive toy books can range in price from relatively inexpensive to quite expensive. Determine a budget and look for books that offer the best value for the price. Consider factors such as the number of interactive elements, the quality of the materials, and the potential for longevity.
Recommended Age Range
When choosing an interactive toy book, it’s important to consider the recommended age range for the book. This range is typically provided by the publisher or manufacturer and can help guide parents and caregivers in selecting an appropriate book for the child. Here are some factors to consider when looking at the recommended age range:
- Developmental stage: The recommended age range is often based on the child’s developmental stage. For example, a book may be designed for children between the ages of 2 and 5, as this is a critical period for language development and early literacy skills.
- Interest level: The recommended age range may also take into account the child’s interest level. For example, a book with more complex themes or language may be better suited for an older child who is already a fluent reader.
- Ability level: The recommended age range may also reflect the child’s ability level. For example, a book with more challenging vocabulary or concepts may be better suited for a child who is already demonstrating a higher level of understanding.
It’s important to note that the recommended age range is just a guideline and that each child is unique. Some children may be developmentally advanced and ready for a book that is outside of their chronological age range, while others may need a book that is more appropriate for their current abilities. Ultimately, the best way to determine the right interactive toy book for your child is to consider their individual needs and interests, as well as their developmental stage and ability level.
Popular Interactive Toy Books
Bestsellers
- “Where’s Waldo?” by Martin Handford
- The original “Where’s Waldo?” book was first published in 1987 and has since become a classic in the world of interactive toy books.
- The book features detailed illustrations of crowded scenes filled with a variety of characters, and the reader must search for the elusive Waldo among the crowd.
- The book’s popularity has led to numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including “Where’s Waldo? The Total Perspective Vortex” and “Where’s Waldo? In Hollywood.”
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle
- “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a children’s book that has been entertaining readers since its publication in 1969.
- The book follows the journey of a caterpillar as it eats its way through various foods before eventually forming a cocoon and emerging as a butterfly.
- The book’s interactive nature comes from its die-cut pages, which allow the reader to follow the caterpillar’s progress as it eats its way through the book.
- “Goodnight Moon” by Margaret Wise Brown
- “Goodnight Moon” is a classic bedtime story that has been beloved by children and parents alike since its publication in 1947.
- The book follows a young child as they say goodnight to various objects in their room, including a “quiet old lady whispering hush.”
- The book’s popularity has led to numerous spin-offs and adaptations, including “Goodnight iPad” and “Goodnight Room.”
Highly Rated Books
Interactive toy books have gained immense popularity among children and parents alike due to their engaging and interactive nature. These books offer a unique reading experience that combines technology and storytelling to create an immersive and memorable experience for young readers. Here are some highly rated interactive toy books that are worth exploring:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic interactive toy book that has been entertaining children for decades. The book follows the story of a caterpillar who eats his way through various foods before transforming into a beautiful butterfly. The book includes interactive elements such as flaps to lift and holes to peek through, making it a highly engaging and interactive reading experience for young children.
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
Goodnight Moon is another beloved interactive toy book that has been delighting children for generations. The book follows the story of a young child saying goodnight to various objects in their room, including the moon. The book includes interactive elements such as cut-outs and die-cut pages, allowing children to interact with the story as they read.
That’s Not a Feather by Laura Gehl
That’s Not a Feather is a more recent interactive toy book that has gained popularity due to its engaging and interactive nature. The book follows the story of a bird who discovers a “feather” that is not a feather at all. The book includes interactive elements such as a cut-out page that allows children to see what the bird sees, making it a highly engaging and interactive reading experience.
Toca Life: Hospital by Toca Boca
Toca Life: Hospital is an interactive toy book app that allows children to explore the world of medicine and healthcare. The app includes various mini-games and activities that allow children to pretend to be doctors, nurses, and patients. The app also includes realistic sound effects and animations, making it a highly immersive and interactive reading experience.
Overall, these highly rated interactive toy books offer a unique and engaging reading experience for young children. They combine technology and storytelling to create a memorable and immersive experience that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
Tips for Enjoying Interactive Toy Books
Reading Techniques
Interactive toy books are designed to engage young readers and promote interactive learning. To make the most of this unique type of book, it’s important to employ specific reading techniques that cater to the format. Here are some tips for reading interactive toy books:
1. Follow the Instructions
One of the key elements of interactive toy books is their interactivity. This means that readers must follow the instructions provided in the book, whether it’s folding pages, manipulating tabs, or using other physical elements. By following these instructions, readers can fully experience the book’s content and participate in the learning process.
2. Slow Down and Savor
Unlike traditional books, interactive toy books often require readers to slow down and savor each page. This is because the book’s content is designed to be experienced in a more deliberate manner, with each page offering a unique and engaging experience. By taking the time to appreciate each page, readers can fully engage with the book’s content and reap the benefits of interactive learning.
3. Read Aloud
Reading aloud is a great way to engage young readers and encourage participation. With interactive toy books, reading aloud is particularly important, as it allows children to actively participate in the story and interact with the book’s physical elements. This can help build vocabulary, promote critical thinking, and foster a love of reading.
4. Embrace the Physicality
Interactive toy books are designed to be physically manipulated, making the reading experience a tactile one. This means that readers should embrace the physicality of the book and engage with its physical elements, such as flaps, tabs, and pop-ups. By doing so, readers can fully experience the book’s content and participate in the learning process.
5. Encourage Imagination
Finally, interactive toy books are designed to encourage imagination and creativity. Readers should encourage this by asking open-ended questions, prompting children to make connections between the story and their own experiences, and allowing them to use their imagination to fill in any gaps in the story. By doing so, readers can help foster a love of reading and a lifelong appreciation for the power of imagination.
Engaging with the Content
- Interactive toy books are designed to engage young readers in a unique and immersive way.
- To get the most out of your interactive toy book, it’s important to engage with the content in a few key ways.
- First, take the time to explore the pages and the different elements that make up the book.
- This might include flipping through the pages, turning the wheels, or interacting with the various components of the book.
- As you explore, try to focus on the different sensory experiences that the book offers.
- Pay attention to the texture of the pages, the feel of the different elements, and the sounds that the book makes.
- By fully immersing yourself in the experience, you’ll be able to get the most out of the book and have the most fun.
- Additionally, it’s important to let your child lead the way and follow their interests and curiosities as they explore the book.
- This will help them to develop a love of reading and a sense of curiosity that will serve them well throughout their life.
- So, take the time to really engage with the content of your interactive toy book and enjoy the unique and immersive experience that it offers.
Sharing Interactive Toy Books with Children
When it comes to sharing interactive toy books with children, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure that the book is age-appropriate for the child. Interactive toy books are designed for children of all ages, but some may be more suitable for younger or older children depending on the level of interactivity and complexity of the content.
Another important factor to consider when sharing interactive toy books with children is the level of engagement that the book offers. Many interactive toy books are designed to be highly interactive, with touch-sensitive pages, buttons to press, and other interactive elements. It’s important to find a book that will hold the child’s attention and encourage them to engage with the content in a meaningful way.
When sharing an interactive toy book with a child, it’s also important to be patient and allow the child to explore the book at their own pace. Interactive toy books are designed to be explored and played with, so it’s important to let the child take the lead and explore the book in their own way.
Finally, it’s important to remember that interactive toy books are not just for entertainment. They can also be a valuable tool for learning and development. Many interactive toy books are designed to teach children about different subjects, such as science, math, and language. By sharing these books with children, parents and caregivers can help to foster a love of learning and encourage children to explore new topics and ideas.
Making the Most of Interactive Toy Books
Unlocking the Full Potential of Interactive Toy Books
Interactive toy books offer a unique and engaging way to learn and play. By combining physical toys with storytelling, these books provide a multi-sensory experience that can be both educational and entertaining. Here are some tips to help you make the most of interactive toy books:
Maximizing the Learning Experience
- Encourage creativity: Interactive toy books often include prompts or suggestions for imaginative play. Use these as a starting point and encourage your child to come up with their own ideas and storylines.
- Build vocabulary: Many interactive toy books include vocabulary words or concepts that may be new to your child. Take the time to discuss these words and help your child understand their meanings.
- Reinforce basic skills: Many interactive toy books also include basic skills such as counting, colors, and shapes. Use these opportunities to reinforce these skills and help your child build a strong foundation for future learning.
Enhancing the Play Experience
- Get involved: Don’t be afraid to get hands-on with your child’s interactive toy book. Join in the play and let your imagination run wild.
- Take turns: Encourage your child to take the lead in the play and take turns with them. This helps build important social skills and fosters a sense of collaboration.
- Customize the experience: Interactive toy books can be customized to fit your child’s interests and preferences. Take the time to explore the different options and find the ones that resonate most with your child.
Overall, interactive toy books offer a unique and exciting way to learn and play. By following these tips, you can help your child get the most out of their interactive toy book experience and unlock their full potential.
The Future of Interactive Toy Books
Emerging Technologies
Virtual Reality
- Introduction: Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way children interact with interactive toy books. By immersing children in a virtual world, VR can enhance their imagination and creativity, making their reading experience more engaging and exciting.
- How it works: VR headsets and controllers are used to create an immersive experience for children. Children can explore virtual environments, interact with virtual characters, and engage in virtual activities that complement the storyline of the interactive toy book.
- Benefits: VR can provide children with a more engaging and interactive reading experience, enhancing their imagination and creativity. It can also help children develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Artificial Intelligence
- Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technology that has the potential to enhance the interactivity of interactive toy books. By incorporating AI, interactive toy books can adapt to the reading level and interests of individual children, providing a more personalized and engaging reading experience.
- How it works: AI algorithms can analyze the reading level and interests of individual children and adjust the content and level of interactivity of the interactive toy book accordingly. This can help children progress at their own pace and stay engaged in the story.
- Benefits: AI can provide children with a more personalized and engaging reading experience, tailored to their individual needs and interests. It can also help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Augmented Reality
- Introduction: Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that has the potential to enhance the interactivity of interactive toy books. By overlaying digital content onto the physical world, AR can provide children with a more immersive and interactive reading experience.
- How it works: AR technology uses the camera on a device to capture the physical environment and overlay digital content onto it. Children can interact with virtual characters and objects, providing a more immersive and interactive reading experience.
- Benefits: AR can provide children with a more engaging and interactive reading experience, enhancing their imagination and creativity. It can also help children develop spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Overall, emerging technologies such as VR, AI, and AR have the potential to enhance the interactivity and engagement of interactive toy books, providing children with a more immersive and personalized reading experience.
Trends to Watch
- Enhanced Augmented Reality (AR)
- Advancements in AR technology are leading to more sophisticated and seamless integration of digital elements into physical books, offering a truly immersive reading experience.
- Voice-Activated Interactivity
- The growing popularity of voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant is paving the way for interactive toy books that can be controlled and engaged with using voice commands, making the experience more intuitive and hands-free.
- Greater Personalization
- With the help of machine learning algorithms, interactive toy books are becoming increasingly capable of adapting to the unique reading preferences and learning styles of individual readers, providing a tailored and engaging experience.
- Cross-Platform Integration
- As technology continues to advance, interactive toy books are expected to be accessible across multiple devices and platforms, allowing readers to pick up where they left off on one device and continue on another, seamlessly.
- Collaborative Learning
- The future of interactive toy books may involve more social and collaborative learning experiences, enabling multiple users to interact with the book simultaneously, fostering group engagement and teamwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the potential for growth in the market for interactive toy books?
- With the increasing popularity of digital technology and the rise of interactive learning tools, the market for interactive toy books is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
- As parents and educators look for innovative ways to engage children and promote their learning, interactive toy books are well-positioned to meet this demand.
- Furthermore, the growing trend towards personalized and immersive learning experiences is likely to drive the market for interactive toy books even further.
How do interactive toy books compare to traditional books in terms of educational value?
- While traditional books have long been considered the cornerstone of early childhood education, interactive toy books offer a unique and engaging learning experience that complements traditional reading materials.
- Interactive toy books often incorporate multimedia elements, such as audio and video, that can help children understand complex concepts and build vocabulary in a more dynamic and interactive way.
- Additionally, the hands-on nature of interactive toy books encourages children to actively participate in the learning process, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
What are some of the challenges facing the development and distribution of interactive toy books?
- One of the main challenges facing the development of interactive toy books is the need for high-quality multimedia content that is both engaging and educational.
- Additionally, the cost of producing interactive toy books can be higher than traditional books, which may limit their accessibility to some audiences.
- Distribution is also a challenge, as traditional bookstores may not have the space or infrastructure to accommodate interactive toy books, and online retailers may face difficulties in displaying and promoting these products effectively.
How can parents and educators integrate interactive toy books into their child’s learning and playtime?
- Parents and educators can incorporate interactive toy books into their child’s learning and playtime by using them as a supplement to traditional reading materials.
- Interactive toy books can be used to introduce new concepts and reinforce learning in a fun and engaging way, while also providing opportunities for hands-on exploration and creativity.
- It is important to encourage children to interact with the multimedia elements of interactive toy books, such as touch screens and audio features, to maximize their learning potential.
Additional Resources
Educational Apps and Games
As technology continues to advance, there is a growing number of educational apps and games that can complement interactive toy books. These apps and games can provide additional learning opportunities for children, helping them to develop skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving.
Some popular educational apps and games that can be used with interactive toy books include:
- ABCmouse: An app that focuses on early childhood education, including reading, writing, and math skills.
- PBS KIDS: A collection of educational games and videos that cover a range of topics, from science and math to literacy and social-emotional learning.
- Khan Academy Kids: An app that offers a range of educational activities and games for children aged 2-7, covering topics such as math, reading, and social studies.
Virtual and Augmented Reality
Virtual and augmented reality technology is also being used to enhance the interactive experience of toy books. For example, some toy books now come with augmented reality features that allow children to interact with characters and scenes in a more immersive way.
One example of this is the “Paw Patrol: My Library” app, which allows children to scan pages of the Paw Patrol toy book and bring the characters to life in augmented reality. This allows children to interact with their favorite characters in a more engaging and interactive way.
Social Learning Platforms
Social learning platforms, such as Khan Academy and Duolingo, can also be used in conjunction with interactive toy books. These platforms offer a range of educational content and resources that can complement the learning experiences provided by interactive toy books.
For example, a child who is reading a toy book about animals could use a platform like Khan Academy to watch videos about different animal species and learn more about their habitats and behaviors.
Online Communities and Forums
Finally, online communities and forums can provide a valuable resource for parents and children who are interested in interactive toy books. These communities can offer a space for parents to share tips and advice, ask questions, and connect with other parents who are using interactive toy books with their children.
Some popular online communities and forums for parents include:
- MomsInTheHouse.com: A community of parents who share advice and tips on parenting, including the use of interactive toy books.
- Pinterest: A social media platform that offers a range of resources and ideas for parents, including ideas for using interactive toy books with their children.
- TheMomCafe.com: A forum where parents can connect with each other and share advice and resources on a range of parenting topics, including the use of interactive toy books.
FAQs
1. What is an interactive book?
An interactive book is a type of book that incorporates various multimedia elements, such as sound, video, and interactivity, to create an immersive reading experience. Unlike traditional books, interactive books are designed to engage readers in a more dynamic and interactive way, often incorporating technology to enhance the storytelling experience.
2. What are some examples of interactive books?
There are many examples of interactive books, ranging from children’s books that incorporate sound and motion to more sophisticated works of literature that use technology to create a unique reading experience. Some examples of interactive books include “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore” by William Joyce, “The Mysterious Island” by Jules Verne, and “The Magic School Bus” series by Joanna Cole.
3. How do interactive books differ from traditional books?
Interactive books differ from traditional books in that they incorporate multimedia elements to create a more immersive reading experience. Unlike traditional books, which rely solely on text to tell a story, interactive books may incorporate sound, video, animation, and other interactive features to engage readers in a more dynamic way. Additionally, interactive books often require the use of technology, such as tablets or computers, to access the multimedia content.
4. Are interactive books suitable for all ages?
Interactive books can be suitable for all ages, depending on the content and level of interactivity. Some interactive books are designed specifically for children, while others are geared towards adults. In general, interactive books are a great way to engage readers of all ages in a more dynamic and interactive reading experience.
5. What are the benefits of reading interactive books?
The benefits of reading interactive books are numerous. For children, interactive books can help develop important skills such as reading comprehension, problem-solving, and critical thinking. For adults, interactive books can provide a more engaging and immersive reading experience, and can be a great way to learn new information or explore new topics. Additionally, interactive books can be a fun and engaging way to spend time with children and loved ones.