“Three blocks up. Crash. Giggles guaranteed. Physics? Yep. Magic? Definitely. 🧱”
— Nana
Three blocks up. Crash. Giggles guaranteed. Physics? Yep. Magic? Definitely.
Dear parent, I know today was long—you’re tired, maybe a little stretched thin. But look: your child is learning joy in the smallest moments. Even when blocks fall, they’re building more than towers.
What it means for your child
The magic of blocks begins the moment they can hold one.
- Babies: Babies grasp, mouth, and drop blocks—learning cause and effect through touch.
- Toddlers: Toddlers stack wobbly towers, then laugh when they tumble—no shame, only wonder.
- Preschoolers: Preschoolers plan taller towers, test gravity, and cheer when it crashes—no adult needed.
- School-age kids: School-age kids build bridges, predict falls, and invent wild stories about why the blocks fell.
Try this tonight
Tonight, pull out three wooden blocks and sit with your child.
- Place one block gently on the floor. Let them hold it.
- Help them stack two more—no rush, no rules.
- When it’s done, say ‘Ready?’… then tap the bottom block. Watch the giggle explosion.
Words you can use
- “I love how you built that!”
- “Whoa—did you see that drop?”
- “Let’s do it again!”
At Nana’s Place
Nana's Place cares for children from 6 weeks to 12 years old, with day, evening and overnight care at two buildings in Glendale. We'd love to meet your family. Book a tour.
Questions parents ask
Why do toddlers love knocking down towers?
It’s not mischief—it’s science play. They’re testing how things work, and the surprise of collapse makes them laugh and learn.
Are wooden blocks safe for babies?
Yes—if they’re large enough to not choke, smooth with no splinters, and always supervised. Stick to big, solid blocks for under-2s.
How do I turn block play into learning without teaching?
Just be curious with them. Say ‘Hmm, why do you think it fell?’ Don’t fix it—let them figure it out. That’s real learning.
