What is MESH and why should retailers care?

by Amanda Gummer

MESH is an increasingly common acronym that stands for Mental Emotional and Social Health.

Toys that promote emotional wellbeing in children can vary across age ranges and toy categories, but a lot of toys can have an emotional element to their play pattern and help children develop their emotional literacy and promote wellbeing and positive mental health.

Plush

Stuffed animals can provide comfort and companionship for children, especially younger children who may have separation anxiety. They can also be used to role play and express emotions.

Puzzles and Games

Puzzles and board games can promote social skills, teamwork, problem-solving and cognitive development. These types of toys can also teach children how to handle disappointment and manage frustration.

Arts and crafts

Art supplies such as crayons, markers, and paint can be a great way for children to express their emotions through creativity. Art can also help children develop their fine motor skills and build confidence.

Musical toys

Musical instruments can help children regulate their emotions and reduce stress.

Playing music can also help children develop their coordination, focus, and attention span.

Construction toys

Building blocks promote problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. Children can use blocks to create their own worlds and express their imaginations.

Mindfulness Tools

Toys such as stress balls, fidget spinners, and sensory toys can help children manage their emotions and reduce anxiety. These types of toys can also help children develop mindfulness skills, which can be beneficial for their overall mental health.

Role Play

Dress-up clothes, dollhouses, and playsets can help children develop social skills, empathy, and imagination. These types of toys can also help children process and work through their own emotions and experiences.

Why should retailers care?

Toy retailers have the opportunity to influence the emotional health of children through the toys they sell. Children use toys as a means of exploring and understanding the world around them, and toys can have a significant impact on their emotional development.

Retailers who are knowledgeable about emotional wellbeing can make informed decisions about the toys they stock in their stores. They can select toys that promote positive emotional development, such as those that encourage social interaction, problem-solving, and creativity.

Additionally, toy retailers who prioritize emotional wellbeing may attract customers who are looking for toys that will help support their child’s emotional health. That’s a growing market!

By offering a selection of toys that promote emotional wellbeing, retailers can establish themselves as a trusted resource for parents who want to make informed decisions about the toys they purchase. Retailers can promote wellbeing toys within their stores and become a resource for their community with regards to children’s emotional wellbeing in several ways.

1. Product Selection

Retailers can select toys that promote emotional wellbeing and create a dedicated section in their store for these types of toys. They can highlight the benefits of each toy and provide recommendations based on age and developmental stage.

2. Community Events

Retailers can host events that focus on emotional wellbeing for children and families, such as workshops, seminars, or playgroups. These events can provide a platform for experts to share their knowledge, and for parents and children to connect with each other and learn about emotional wellbeing.

3. Partnerships

Retailers can partner with local organizations, schools, or mental health professionals to support emotional wellbeing initiatives in the community. They can collaborate on events or provide resources to support these initiatives.

4. Online Resources

Retailers can create online resources, such as blog posts or videos, to share information and tips about emotional wellbeing for children. They can also provide product reviews and recommendations for wellbeing toys.

By promoting wellbeing toys and becoming a resource for the community, toy retailers can position themselves as a trusted source of information and support for parents who want to prioritize their child’s emotional wellbeing. This can help build a loyal customer base and create a positive impact in the community.

Isn’t it great when doing the right thing is the same as doing the profitable thing!