Play is where development lives, even when it looks simple, repetitive, or messy.

In this conversation, Annamarie von Firley joins me to unpack why play is essential to early brain development and why children need hands-on experiences far more than screens, flashcards, or noisy battery powered toys. We talk about how babies learn to operate their bodies, how repetition builds neural connections, and why dumping, filling, banging, sorting, and mouthing objects are critical stages of growth.

Annamarie explains how the brain develops most rapidly from birth to age three, why fine motor and sensory experiences support later skills like writing and speech, and how intrinsic motivation is built when children are allowed to explore without constant adult direction. We also discuss toy safety, developmental appropriateness, and how parents can use everyday items at home to support learning without spending more money.

This episode is a grounding reminder that play is not indulgent, chaotic, or optional. It is the work of childhood.

Key Takeaways

Play is how children build their brains, not something they do after learning is finished. Movement, repetition, and exploration are the engines of development.
Most brain development happens before age three, making early play experiences critical for later learning, regulation, and coordination.
Children learn by using their bodies, not by watching others perform tasks for them. Passive screen time does not build the same neural connections.
Fine motor play supports later skills like writing, feeding, and speech. Touching, grasping, pinching, and manipulating objects matters.
Repetition is not boredom. It is mastery. Children repeat actions because their brains are wiring new connections.
Intrinsic motivation grows when children are allowed to explore freely without constant instruction, correction, or performance pressure.
Everyday household items can be powerful developmental tools. Pots, lids, spoons, containers, and boxes often support richer learning than complex toys.
Noisy, battery operated toys are often overstimulating and unnecessary, especially for children under three.
Play engages multiple senses at once, which strengthens memory, learning, and emotional regulation.
When play is treated as essential rather than optional, children gain confidence, curiosity, and a stronger foundation for lifelong learning.

About Annamarie von Firley

Annamarie von Firley is the founder of Adventure Town Toy Emporium and Fledglings Flight, both rooted in the belief that play is essential to healthy child development. With a BA in Wooden Toy Design and Construction and a BFA in Furniture Design, she brings a unique combination of design expertise and deep knowledge of how children learn through movement, repetition, and sensory exploration.

After more than 20 years owning and operating her fashion house, reVamp, Annamarie returned to her roots in toy design and child development. In 2016, she founded Adventure Town Toy Emporium to curate and create toys that support curiosity, creativity, and developmental growth. During the pandemic, recognizing the developmental risks facing babies and toddlers born during lockdowns, she launched Fledglings Flight. The platform combines a play based app, customized subscription boxes, and expert informed guidance developed alongside pediatric occupational therapists, speech therapists, and child neurologists to help parents support early development through simple, hands on play.

About Your Host, Gabriele Nicolet

I'm Gabriele Nicolet, toddler whisperer, speech therapist, parenting life coach, and host of Complicated Kids. Each week, I share practical, relationship-based strategies for raising kids with big feelings, big needs, and beautifully different brains. My goal is to help families move from surviving to thriving by building connection, confidence, and clarity at home.

Complicated Kids Resources and Links

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