I caught up and interviewed Dr. Amanda Gummer, Founder and MD at the Good Play Guide and the Good Toy Guidewho is passionate about giving children the best opportunities in life.Amanda is a research psychologist specialising in child development all of which promote the value of play and positive parenting in child development.She is also a founding member of the Children’s Activities Association.She provides consultancy and training on child and family related issues to a wide range of audiences and her book ‘Play: Fun ways to help your children develop in the first 5 years’, was published in May 2015.She is a member of the Play Research Network, The International Toy Research Association, Play England and the National Toy Council and have been involved with parliamentary policy on children’s issues.She is also a regularly on national TV (BBC, Sky) and in many of the national newspapers, and various national and local radio stations.Her specialties include: Child development, parenting, play, research, toys, toy design, product development, licensing, families, education, working parents, work-life balance, parent-centred parenting and psychologyI asked Amanda what inspired her to set up The Good Play Guide and The Good Toy Guide & what makes a great toy. I also asked her why play is SO important for children & you’ll be surprised at her answers !