First-Ever MESH Accredited Toys and Games
On September 9th, 2024, MESH Helps, Inc. announced the first-ever group of toys and games to receive the MESH (Mental, Emotional, Social Health) Accreditation.
MESH Helps, Inc. and the MESH Accreditation
MESH Helps, Inc. is a nonprofit that is dedicated to strengthening kids' resilience through play, and, after reviewing submissions from 39 companies and 150 products, including games, puzzles, construction sets, and creative kits, highlighted the toys and games that offered more than just entertainment. These select toys and games serve as tools for children to build skills of resilience through play. The MESH Accreditation represents a trusted mark for caregivers who are seeking out toys and games to foster well-being. The accreditation is only received after approval is given by independent experts at FUNdamentally Children, who evaluate products based on a framework that is comprised of the eight well-documented skills vital to youth mental, emotional, and social health. These include:
Problem-solving
Perseverance
Adaptation
Conflict resolution
Self-regulation
Self-advocacy
Cognition
Communication
Rachel Harmuth, Board President of MESH Helps states, “We are thrilled to introduce this inaugural group of MESH accredited toys and games, especially as we approach the holidays. These products have undergone rigorous evaluation by FUNdamentally Children, ensuring they meet the highest standards. This accreditation empowers consumers to select gifts that are fun and beneficial to a child’s well-being.”
This accreditation is even more important when you take into account the significant rise in childhood mental health concerns since 2010. There is a greater need in the toy and game industry for products that strengthen children's resilience and mental, emotional, and social health. Specifically, they have highlighted four key play patterns that empower caregivers to select products that achieve just this. These play patterns are:
Overcoming obstacles
Storytelling
Increasing challenge
Bridging play
MESH Helps accepts submissions for their accreditation year-round from companies that have recognized the immense influence toys have on childrens' mental healths. To learn more or submit an application, visit www.MESHhelps.org/Accreditation.
Toys and Games That Received the MESH Accreditation
Below, we have highlighted just some of the products that received the MESH Accreditation. To view the full list of products with a MESH Accreditation, click here!
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
About MESH Helps
MESHhelps.org launched in October 2022 to address the growing concern of children's mental health. ThinkFun, a division of Ravensburger, inaugurated MESH Helps in partnership with Dr. Deborah Gilboa to address this concern. As of January 2023, MESH Helps is an independent nonprofit with the sole mission of helping children build resilience through play by strengthening their mental, emotional, and social health. To learn more, visit www.MESHhelps.org.
About FUNdamentally Children
FUNdamentally Children is an expert team of professionals with an aim to promote the importance of play in healthy childhood through products that make a difference in development. They offer expert insights, toy accreditation services, and marketing solutions to further their cause. To learn more, visit https://fundamentallychildren.com/about-us/.
For More Information
If you're interested in all things MESH and how the toy industry is changing due to the need for more beneficial play, here is a list of episodes from The Toy Coach's podcast and YouTube channel!
Episode #164: MESH Toys For Mental, Emotional and Social Health with Rachele Harmuth
#213: From Empath to Entrepreneur with Jana Hallam of Wonderwell Toy Company
#214: Everything You Need To Know About MESH Accreditation For Your Toy
#236: The Toy Coach and The Toy Queen Discuss The Best Toys For Early Childhood Development
