2. How Can I Accommodate Children?

There are four widely used methods

The ‘Do Nothing’ Approach

Many businesses simply ignore the challenges of accommodating children and make no effort to improve the situation for everyone.

The Toy Bin Approach

The most common way to accommodate children is to gather together a collection of toys, put them in a container and forget about them.

The Play Area Approach

Some businesses choose to dedicate floor space for child-sized furniture or play installations.  These areas often include built-in toys or some kind of toy bin.

A Managed Toy Service Program

A number of businesses have turned to Something For Kids to manage and maintain a collection of toys in a lease-like arrangement.

The ‘Do Nothing’ Approach

Is it any wonder that this

leads to this?       

A Complete Failure to Accommodate Children

You Get What You Pay For

Although this is the least expensive approach, it is delivers no results.  By refusing to accommodate children, you are unintentionally hurting your business.

Parents Should Control Their Children

This is a tempting assumption, but in reality, parents vary in the level of control they exert over their children in public places.

Besides, your goal is to have 100% of the parent’s attention while doing business.  Having them simultaneously act as a parent and customer contradicts your desired outcome.

Books and Magazines

The ‘do nothing’ approach includes the provision of books and magazines, because printed materials are not an effective way to accommodate children.

Not only do they present content appropriateness issues, they are not easily enjoyed by the majority of children.  Many children require a parent’s assistance with reading materials, which is counterproductive to your goals.
 

The Toy Bin Approach

Toy Selection

Someone in your business will have to assemble a collection of toys, whether they are purchased in a store or brought from home.  There are several important considerations in the selection of toys, including:

·       Are they appropriate for all ages?

·       Are they safe and durable?

·       Do they make noise?  Are they messy?

·       Can they be easily cleaned and disinfected?

·       Will children actually want to play with them for very long?

Toy Maintenance

To avoid issues of negligence, inspections and maintenance of the toys are necessary.  This should include removal of unsafe toys or trash and a thorough cleaning of each individual toy.

Bins encourage items to be dropped into them.  Surveys of bins reveal that other toys including furry toys, pieces of toys and inappropriate toys are left behind by children.   Waste, including garbage, paper, gum, paperclips, hair bands, stryo-cups and general accumulations of dirt are often deposited in bins.

The Play Area Approach

A Combination of Toys, Furniture & Floor Space

Location

This requires an area to be designated as the play area.  It should be in direct view of both parents and staff.  Line-of-sight is a critical issue for play areas.  Different children play differently, some aggressively, some docile, supervision is required.

Furniture

The play area may include child-sized tables and chairs, which may feature built-in toys and games.  These items require considerable investment and routine cleaning.

Installations

Building a permanent structure dedicated to children is the most costly method of accomodating children, both in expense and floor space.  They may be difficult to clean and maintain.

Maintenance

Providing a play area creates more work for your staff.  The area must be kept tidy, which means picking up and cleaning the facilities on a daily basis.   These areas become soiled quickly and wear out the same as a small toy.  Cleaning of carpets, mats and furniture is essential on a regular basis to clean up after children who are not yet potty trained.   Separation anxiety issues remain a problem…a negative to sales processes.
 

A Managed Toy Service Program – The New Way

The Responsible Solution for Toys in Business

A Partnership in Accommodating Children

Your business can team-up with a third-party toy service providor that supplies toys and also maintains them.  That’s what we do at www.somethingforkids.com.

Highest Standards of Safety and Effectiveness

By signing up with a toy service provider, you can rest assured that the toys are safe and easy to clean.  Experts select toys that are appropriate and engaging for children of all ages.

Professional Toys for a Professional Image

This relatively new approach is gaining popularity.  Toy service programs, like Something for Kids, satisfy all of the requirements for toys in businesses.  Look for features like:

·       Silent, yet captivating toys

·       Mounted to boards for easy identification and storage

·       Supply of disinfectant wipes for cleaning toys prior to use

·       Periodic rotation, inspection, and replacement of toys

·       Toys are tracked and checked for safety & recalls.