Saturday is play day. My children love to have a day off from school and work, where everyone in the house hangs out and just plays. After a pancake breakfast, I pull out the Magnetix Jr. building sets. The sets contain different color and size shapes that attach to each other with magnets.
It doesn’t take long to prove my theory at least partially right. My son is more interested in the building set than he was the dog. I am amazed at the difference in him today.
My son is building a tower. This is his fifth try at stabilizing the structure long enough to let go and admire his accomplishment. 
He has been at it for a good 10 minutes now. My daughter watches from nearby, where she builds and rebuilds her Magnimals™, occasionally reaching out to grab a Magnetix piece for the two creatures to share as a meal or to create some sort of shelter for them. She gets frustrated – it’s no piece of cake to build a home for two. Before long, my son notices, and he asks her what she is trying to build and if she needs help. I like that. I like to watch them help each other. And when she accepts his offer and begins to direct his building, I silently admire the way they work together and bring strength to each other’s weaknesses.
They play like this for a long time. I glance at the clock and note that 30 minutes had passed, but I get side tracked with a phone call, and by the time I return to the living room, all that’s left of the morning’s play are the toys strewn about the room. Hmm, is there a toy that teaches kids that cleaning is fun?
Later in the day, I am amused to find my husband and my 9-year-old sitting on the living room floor surrounded by their own Magnetix Jr. creations.
See parents helping parents in action! 
