Sep 18, 2008

Family Talk leaves Dr. Toy speechless

Eureka, MO – Walk up and down the toy aisle and it’s easy to find one that talks. But did you know there’s a game that gets reluctant tweens and teens to speak, in the car while running errands or waiting for a table at a restaurant, with adults? Dr. Toy, who has a Ph.D. in all things toys, was left speechless when she uncovered a clever new diversion called Family Talk and awarded it this year’s Top 10 Puzzles & Logical Thinking Games, part of the 2008 Dr. Toy’s 100 Best Children’s Products list.

Indeed, nothing could be more engaging than colorful conversations between parents, children and relatives of all ages. That’s the simple concept behind an inexpensive, portable card game from Around the Table Games. It’s been reaping huge benefits among folks who may sit together but rarely, truly converse together. Three versions of the game, Family Talk, Family Talk 2 and Grandparent Talk, are on store shelves now. All three retail for $12.95.

“As a childhood specialist for over 35 years,” says Dr. Toy, a.k.a. Stevanne Auerbach, Ph.D., “I have seen the continuous, essential need for more year-round resources for consumers to identify and choose the most appropriate, safe and engaging learning and developmental products for all children.”

Family Talk and all of the top games, books and toys are listed in this year’s Best Children’s Products at www.drtoy.com.

Adds Dr. Toy, “children learn best through play and these smart toys and products encourage children to maximize their potentials.”

Ideal for ages 4+, thought-provoking questions such as “What is the nicest thing you have ever done for someone?” or simply “Name all of the pets you have ever had” can have endearing and even hilarious responses. Each deck of 100 cards is attached to a carabineer clip so a parent can clip the game to a backpack, purse or picnic basket. Anticipating a long wait at the airport? Whip out these questions and the time will fly. Stuck in traffic with the kids? Family Talk will encourage the kids to ask anything but “are we there yet?”

For a specialty retailer near you, see their website, www.aroundthetablegames.com, for stores listed by state or purchase the game online. Once at their website, submit your own Family Talk question for the game maker to include. You might see your question on their next product!