Homeschooling     Hot Topics     Home and Family     Family Fun    

Playground social network on hold



How will kids learn about new toys and games without playgrounds – the first social networks?

How will kids learn about new toys and games without playgrounds


The first “playground social network” moment I recall occurred in my third-grade year. A brand-new show called Happy Days had aired the night before (according to Google, it was Tuesday, January 15th, 1974). Everybody was talking about it. Kids were assuming the roles of Fonzie, Ritchie, Ralph, Potsie and the other characters. (The “cool kid” decided I would be Potsie, “the singing nerd.” He, of course, was the Fonz.) Some of my classmates hadn’t yet seen it, and I felt sorry for them. 

That summer, a girl at a playground repeatedly sang the international hit “The Streak,” which I’d not heard. I made sure to listen to the radio even more, so I could catch this globally popular novelty song about a man running around naked and causing a stir.

READ MORE: Hudson Valley's Best Playgrounds

The first time I saw a Pet Rock? A Rubik’s cube? On the playground. I can’t imagine learning of these things anywhere else. (I don’t remember any TV commercials for them.)

Despite dizzying advances in tech, the playground is still the “social network” for kids, especially youngsters who’ve not yet signed on to social media – six, seven, eight, and nine-year-olds. These kids’ ability to influence their peers is unparalleled and a little mysterious. Congregation places for children are both proving grounds and launch pads for all number of products. Brandishing of a beloved, new toy from a pocket, or word-of-mouth about a video game, are still far more effective promotional tools than multimillion-dollar campaigns.

Yet Covid-19 has closed down many of these gathering spots, leaving toy makers to worry: where kids will discover the next Silly Bandz, Fijit Spinners, or Beanie Babies?

Richard Gottlieb of Global Toy News and Gerrick Johnson Toy & Leisure Analyst for BMO Capital Markets are concerned, and not just about their bottom line. As modern-day versions of toymakers, they also deeply appreciate how these interactions foster friendships and enrich interactions between young people. Like all of us, they’re looking forward to an end to the pandemic for many reasons.



More Homeschooling


  • Indoor spots for teens to play

    Older kids need to have some play time too

    Teens need places to go that aren't lame and won't bore them to tears. We have the best in the Valley listed just for you. read more »
  • Visit cool sculpture parks in the Hudson Valley

    These sculptures are generally huge and sure to please

    Visit fun and educational sculpture gardens in the Hudson Valley. Sculpture Parks and their gardens are a unique way for families to appreciate and enjoy art. The open spaces are wonderful for kids of all ages. Most locations offer space to roam and enable us to enjoy these unique pieces at our own pace. read more »
  • Everything you need to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 3 ways people of all ages can make the most of International Youth Day

    Celebrate youth activists and combat ageism

    August 12 is International Youth Day, a United Nations effort to celebrate youth activists, combat ageism and help bridge gaps between generations working toward the same change. read more »
  • Everything you should to know about student loans

    Traditional ways of paying for college aren't working

    More American families are borrowing for college. At the same time, merit aid and the use of personal income and savings i falling. read more »
  • 4 ways to get involved this global volunteer month

    It's a good time to get in on the action

    Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin. read more »
  • Minimize the risk of child identity theft

    NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers advice

    Child Identity Theft is a growing problem. According to recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft for those under 19 years old grew 60% in three years. read more »
  • 5 reasons why your child should (and can) learn how to play chess

    A revolutionary new game that helps kids learn this game of strategy

    Chess is one of the oldest and most popular games in history, with early forms of the game dating back to the 6th century CE. The game has certainly seen a revival since the pandemic began, as people around the globe have dusted off their chess boards and even binged one of the most-watched series ever inspired by the masterful game for much-needed entertainment. read more »
  • 5 ways to get kids excited about STEM learning

    The country needs more good scientists

    The events of the past couple of years have shown how important scientists are to making the world a better and safer place. read more »
  • Keep kids learning during summer

    3 fun, easy ways

    With school out, summertime brings long, carefree days of play and fun. With a little thought and a few supplies, summer is a perfect opportunity to revitalize their innate love of learning that may be a bit squashed after a year of academic pressures, tests and schedules. read more »