For parents with young children, this pandemic is particularly challenging. Kids want and need to move, to play, to experience life with all of their senses. None of us want our kids glued to screens for hours at a time, being passive content consumers... yet so often that’s what happens. My guest today, Drew Vernon is passionate about creating a playful, stimulating experience for young kids. He is a father of three and for years ran his own daycare facility, so he’s got some skin in the game. He is now the U.S. marketing lead at Tonies. The Toniebox is a popular audio system that uses screen-free storytelling and playful characters to bring stories to life. And get this. If you are a parent or loved one who can’t be with a child in person, you can read a story or send a message through the Toniebox, right to your child. What a great way to connect grandparents and grandkids. There are now over 1 million Tonieboxes across Europe, and just recently have become available in North America. Today we’ll take a close look at this unique product, birthed out of two dad’s desires to do something meaningful for kids. We’ll also explore the role of play in early childhood development.