Why Yo-Yoing is one of the best non-electronic activities for kids
Over the last few years, we have seen a growing concern about the number of hours our children are in front of electronics and how much they are exposed to "screen time". With families unexpectedly stuck at home, there is an added need for activities that reduce their screen time while delivering either educational or physical health benefits.
With over 90 years of experience entertaining kids with yo-yo play and other skilled toys, we are experts at activities that keep kids engaged. This cross-generational toy allows children to have fun while improving fine motor skills and emotional concepts like hand-eye coordination, hand dexterity, self-confidence, and concentration. It can even be used as a tool to help fight over-eating, anxiety and lack of determination.
Photo credit: Drew Tetz
Children can use their imagination to walk the dog and take a trip around the world to see the Eiffel tower. We encourage parents and children to get creative during their yo-yo activities and involve the entire family. Much like a family game night, your family can hold weekly yo-yo contests in the living room or yard with our family contest guide.
Are you looking for a fun way to teach a science or history lesson? Try using a yo-yo to teach science concepts like rotational inertia, mass distribution and friction. Or engage your child with a history research project about the origins of the yo-yo which has been traced back to 440 B.C. Chart a course around the world and learn about various countries as you follow the yo-yo through time and into space!
To add to all the fun, we have a free yo-yo club and trick completion program in which your child can earn badges of achievement as they build their skills. Not only will they find a new sport they can play at home they may also make new friends from all over the world.
Visit us online at www.yo-yo.com or follow us on Facebook @DuncanToys to get your child plugged into this world sport! We feature free tutorials and all the yo-yo gear you need to get started.
About the Author
Jennifer Baybrook, a World Yo-Yo Champion and our youth program presenter has performed and presented Yo-Yo programs in 32 states and throughout 15 countries. Born and raised in a small town in Vermont, Jennifer’s professional yo-yo career began at the age of only eight. Through years of regular practice, determination and passion for excellence, Jennifer was quick to rise to be one of the top yo-yo professionals and was recognized by both the Vermont State Senate and Hawaii State Senate for being a positive role model to youth.
At the age of 17, she was the first girl to win the World Yo-Yo Championship title and since has been featured as a special guest on various television shows and other venues including Good Morning America, Fox Kids, Euro Disney & Universal Studios.