Wooden toys have taken over playrooms everywhere, hailed as the eco-friendly, Instagram-worthy alternative to plastic. But after trying to embrace this trend, I’m officially done. Yes, they look nice and might feel like the “right” choice, but let’s be honest—they’re expensive, boring, and not as durable as they’re cracked up to be. My toddler barely touches them, preferring the excitement of toys that light up and make noise. Plus, when he does play with them, I’m constantly on edge, waiting for a wooden block to take out the TV. So, I’m over the wooden toy hype. Our playroom is now filled with toys that are fun, colorful, and—most importantly—keep my kid entertained. Because in the end, it’s about our kids’ happiness, not keeping up with a parenting trend.

It's 2024, and screens are everywhere. Your kid's face is probably glued to one right now. Is all this screen time turning our kids' brains into mush, or is it actually no big deal?