Blog

Teaching Children to Share​

Teaching a child to share can be tricky as it is a very hard concept for little ones to understand.

Young children aren’t being selfish when they find sharing challenging, they are still developing key social and emotional skills.

It can be something that parents worry about in social/play settings. Here is some information to help you understand the development of the skill in sharing and how to guide and support your child to gradually understand how it all works.

Ages 1-2 – at this stage children truly don’t understand sharing at all. They are focused on their own needs, and they don’t yet understand other people’s feelings. Taking a toy isn’t naughty – it’s normal development.

Age 2-3 –  Beginning awareness

Children start to notice others, but sharing is still tricky.

They may hand a toy over but then want it straight back.

They don’t grasp fairness or waiting.

Emotions are still very big and immediate.

Ages 3-4 –  Learning to take turns

This is when sharing starts to become more realistic.

Children can begin to understand turn taking

They may share with adult guidance and support.

They start recognising that others have feelings to and empathy begins.

Ages 4-5 –  Understanding fairness

This is the age where children start to grasp the idea of sharing properly.

They have more understanding of fairness and rules.

They are more willing to take turns.

They might share without being prompted.

Here is some guidance on how to support your child with learning to share:

Use turn taking instead of forced sharing. For many young children sharing feels like losing something. Turn taking is much easier and feels fair.

Use simple repeatable phrases such as:

‘Shall we take turns together’

‘You can have it next’

‘Can I have a turn when you’re finished?’

Praise the effort not the outcome

Sharing is hard, so it is important to recognise the attempt even if it’s not perfect.

Praise small steps ‘you waited-that was really helpful’

Highlight the positive behaviour.

Create opportunities to practise. Sharing is learned over time with experiences.  Real life moments are where the learning happens.

Sharing is a skill that develops over time. With patience, guidance and plenty of practice children begin to understand not just how to share but why it matters.

 One of the most valuable things about our Ride On Time sessions is that sharing is something they experience naturally through play with so many options for choice and taking turns.

With around 15-20 ride on toys and a similar number of children, it creates the perfect environment for gentle, real-life learning in a safe, non-judgemental environment.

Sun, Fun & Toy Cars! 

Summer is the perfect time to take playtime outside and spark your toddler’s imagination in new and exciting ways. Toy cars aren’t just for racing around the living room—they can go outside too!  Whether you’re looking to keep cool with water play, or just make the most of a sunny afternoon, we’ve rounded up from Tik Tok some fun and easy car-themed play ideas that are perfect for toddlers. These activities are designed to keep little hands busy, bodies moving, and imaginations in high gear!

  1. Save those kitchen roll tubes, tape them together and you have a brilliant tube for cars, balls anything they can roll down it!! 
  2. Water and vehicles is a great combination. They can be washed, filled, scrubbed. You can add shaving foam or bubbles. 
  3. Chop a swimming noodle in half and you have an instant road! They can drive their cars into the pool! 
  4. Use cars to paint with! Create amazing patterns and drive at the same time! (Then they can wash the cars afterwards! Double win! ) 
  5. Put lots of cars in a bowl with water and freeze it. A little toy hammer and they have hours of fun trying to free them! You can also use a cupcake baking tin to put a car in each individual hole filled with water. 
  6. Play sand and diggers! Brilliant fun. If you don’t have a tuff tray for the sand you can just use a bowl, a small swimming pool or even the inside of a pop up tent! Very exciting! Fill with diggers and dumper trucks! 
  7. Got an old road mat? Chop it up and fit in a tuff tray! Instant outdoor play area! 
  8. Hotwheels track in sand is fantastic fun! Easy to pack away but hours of fun on a beach! 
     

Whether you’ve got five minutes or a whole afternoon, we hope these ideas help you create lots of fun moments together this summer—one tiny car ride at a time! 

All About The Cozy Coupe

Buying The Perfect Ride On Toy

Hints & tips for buying a great present.

Christmas is fast approaching & you may be considering buying a ride on toy as a Christmas present. Here are some hints & tips to help you buy the perfect ride on for your little driver.

There is a huge selection out there so decide which key features you are looking for to narrow down the field. The factors below are the main things to consider when making your decision:

  1. Age range – All ride on toys will have an appropriate age range on them.

12 months plus are usually light weight, low ride ons. The aim at this age is that they can place their foot flat to the floor so they sit securely on the seat and begin the exciting challenge of making the toy move!

3-5 years – These are larger and often have pedals. There legs do need to be long enough to reach the pedals and they need the strength to push hard enough. However, the younger children under 3 still absolutely love these larger toys and can still climb aboard. It may be worth considering one as a long term investment that will see them through until they are at least 5 however, don’t expect them to be pedalling before 3.

2. Height – It’s also important to factor in your child’s height when looking at the age ranges. All toy descriptions include the height so it’s worth not just relying on the recommended age but also checking this as they do vary considerably.

3. Cost – Shop around! There are often great deals to be found so compare & contrast.

4.Demand – Don’t leave ordering too late as the toys often can go out of stock particularly Little Tikes.

  1. Storage – Consider where you will store the toy as some of them can be quite large. If left outside the toys will become weathered and fade. Whilst it’s tempting to get the biggest, also try to be practical.
  2. Durability – Ride Ons do need to be pretty tough as they do often get banged and knocked. Wooden ride on toys do look fantastic but they don’t last quite as long. Plastic ride on toys are stronger and if they do need to be sold on, pre loved ride on toys are extremely popular. This is also another tip, to look out on preloved pages for a toy in great condition!
  3. Value for money – Ideally you would like the toy to last as long as possible as they can be quite an investment. It’s sometimes worth selecting a toy that initially is a little too big but then will last for a good few years. If your child is 2 this is especially worth considering.
  4. Planning – If you are buying a ride on toy that needs building we strongly recommend not to leave it until Christmas Eve to construct! Some, particularly Little Tikes, are quite tricky and can take a while. There are lots of You Tube videos you can watch to help you with your build. But if possible, try and construct way before the big day!
  5. Benefits – There are lots of battery operated vehicles which look fantastic and are fun however, we believe foot to floor push alongs have enormous additional benefits:
  • More affordable
  • The children don’t outgrow them as quickly
  • They can play more independently with them
  • They keep active, developing coordination, balance and muscle strength.
  • They don’t need charging.

So, we hope these bits of advice help. It’s brilliant fun choosing your perfect ride on toy and we guarantee you’re little driver will be absolutely thrilled on Christmas morning!

Ride On Time Party Diary – Miles Of Smiles on the Road

by Justin Taylor (Co-owner of Ride On Time) – 21st April 2024

 
Ride On Time had a busy party schedule this weekend with 4 deliveries to eager birthday boys & girls across the county.
 
A sunny Saturday morning found me in Long Hanborough delivering 15 assorted vehicles to the Hanborough Recreation Hall. A very happy lad who loved his motorbikes. Then off to Brize Norton where we delivered another 15 vehicles to an excited family. Sometimes the Mum’s & Dad’s are just as excited as the children!
 
Sunday morning saw a big delivery to Ardley Village Hall where along with 15 vehicles. We delivered most of our extensive accessories range including the roller coaster ride on, mega lego bricks, construction soft play, construction bundles and fancy dress box.
 
Our accessories can be added to any package giving the children extra fun and also to offer something for all ages. They can all be viewed on our website www.rideontimehire.com/parties. 
 
The final party delivery was to a lovely village called Horton just North of Banbury where the birthday boy was ‘tractor crazy!’ We delivered a fleet of 10 tractor/construction themed toys.
 
We meet such lovely families when we are out on deliveries and all the children have such an amazing time. We love being able to help create wonderful memories!
 
Looking forward to next weekend and another fully booked weekend!

10 top tips – how to make sure you enjoy the party too! 

Planning a birthday party can be fun but it can also be a bit stressful. After 7 years in the party industry, we have seen every size and type of party and dealt with lots of scenarios. So 

Here are a few tips to make it a great experience that you get to enjoy!

  1. Decide what scale the party is, how many children will attend, and keep it manageable. 
  2. Decide on a venue. Book at least two months ahead if not more. Venues get very booked up. If you leave it too close you may need to have flexibility about the time of your party and date. If you have fixed ideas you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you get the date and time you want. If your party is in the garden, will you have a wet weather option? Ensure you know what the cancellation policy is for the weather with any entertainment you book, especially bouncy castles as they are restricted by high winds. 
  3. Most parties are 2 hours long. That’s plenty of time for under 5’s. 
  4. When choosing a venue they will charge an hourly rate. You should allow plenty of time either side of your party to set up and clear away. This means it’s not stressful and you have enough time to get everything ready. 
  5. Make sure you know the arrangements for access to the hall. Will someone open up for you, is there a key code? Make sure you have any relevant information, contact numbers to hand for the day of your party. 
  6. Get plenty of helpers. Recruit family and friends to help you so that it’s not all on your shoulders to do everything. It also means you can watch your child having a great time and be part of the celebrations! 
  7. Send invitations out about 6 weeks before. Set an RSVP date. Provide your mobile number for people to text a response. A response isn’t always guaranteed so do keep in mind these children may still appear! 
  8. For ideas and inspiration places like Pinterest are great to give you lots of brilliant ideas to create a theme or Wow factor. 
  9. Try not to feel under any pressure based on peer groups or expectations. The most important person you want to please is the birthday boy or girl and as long as everything is for them that’s the key element. 
  10. Get other people to take lots of photographs so you don’t miss out on capturing great memories! 

 

27th/28th April – Tip Tip Tip Dig Dig Dig

Saturday the 27th saw the Ride on Time van loaded up and ready to play en route in the morning to Brackley and the amazing Egerton Hall. A lovely party for a play session regular who absolutely loves the blue Police Truck….ne nor ne nor what a great time was had by all.
 
Back in the van and vrooooom off to Wardington near Banbury for the afternoon where Tractors and Diggers were the main attraction. 25 vehicles plus the realistic bricks made for a constructive time in the lovely village hall. A very helpful crew brought all the vehicles out for me at the end of the party. “That’s the Wardington way”
 
Sunday afternoon saw the Ride on Time van in Bodicote where again Tractors and Diggers plus the Roller Coaster were the dish of the day. A cosy but charming village hall. I absolutely loved my party, the birthday boy said. That’s our job to make birthday wishes come true.

 

4th/5th May – Will it or Won’t it…..Rain??

Saturday the 4th and off we go with a fully loaded van of ‘Big Stuff’ for a young ladies party in the City of Oxford. A great space at the Woodstock Road Baptist Church saw the Unicorn and Princess Carriages get a good gallop up add in the 4×4 Dinosaur, Taxi, Fire Engine and some large tractors made the party a big hit.
 
Sunday the 5th and the first outdoor garden party of the year in the lovely village of Aston. Would the weather be kind after a lovely morning more changeable conditions for the afternoon for Noah’s Tractors and Diggers. Amazingly it didn’t rain and the King Tractor Driver had the afternoon of his 2 year life.

11th/12th May – Far and Away the warmest weekend of the year so far.

Saturday 12th ‘If you need a party just yelp for help’!!
 
Paw Patrol was the theme so vehicles to fit the theme included Construction for Rubble, Police for Chase, Fire for Marshall and Pink for Sky. The location Eaton Bray near Leighton Buzzard is a lovely bright hall near the church.
 
A return party for a family we saw 2 1/2 years ago a fantastic time was had by all.
 
Sunday 13th a real warm day 25 degrees and a visit to Harpenden and the Batford Memorial Hall. Monster Trucks and cars were in order today and they were actively played with by the 15 children. It was a bit warm for them but they enjoyed it.

18th/19th May – Back closer to home this weekend

Saturday 18th saw a trip to Botley and the Seacourt Hall. Tractors, Diggers and the construction accessories were in play this afternoon. The whole family loved the afternoon.
 
Sunday 19th and an afternoon visit to the lovely Beckley Village Hall. Pink Pink and more Pink for the birthday girl. Unicorn, Princess and the whole pink procession were played with both inside and outside as the weather was superb.

Cheap Transport Days Out

If you have a little one obsessed with transport and things that move, here’s a few ideas for cheap, easy a fun activities to do! There’s always something to see out and about and if you find the right spot it can keep young ones very happy. 
Always pack a snack or picnic as the combination of good food and great things to spot is a winning formula! 
Even just going for a walk and finding a safe bench where a road is visible, you can talk about all the different types of vehicles you see & play games like count the red cars. 
Obviously our list is local ideas for Oxfordshire but all these ideas can be applied for places near you. 
If you have any other great ideas we can add to our list get in touch! 

Planning a Birthday party successfully

Planning a birthday party can be fun but it can also be a bit stressful. After 7 years in the party industry, we have seen every size and type of party and dealt with lots of scenarios. So…

Here are a few tips to make it a great experience that you get to enjoy!

  1. Decide what scale the party is. How many children. Keep it manageable. 
  2. Decide on a venue. Book at least two months if not more. Venues get very booked up. If you leave it too close you may need to have flexibility about the time of your party and date. If you have fixed ideas you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you get the date and time you want. If you’re party is in the garden, will you have a wet weather option. Ensure you know what the cancellation policy is for weather with any entertainment you book, especially bouncy castles as they are restricted by high winds. 
  3. Most parties are 2 hours long. That’s plenty of time for under 5’s  . 
  4. When choosing a venue they will charge an hourly rate. You should allow plenty of time either side of your party to set up and clear away. This means it’s not stressful and you have enough time to get everything ready. 
  5. Make sure you know the arrangements for access to the hall. Will someone open up for you, is there a key code. Make sure you have any relevant information, contact numbers to hand for the day of your party. 
  6. Get plenty of helpers. Recruit family and friends to help you so that it’s not all on your shoulders to do everything. It also means you can watch your child having a great time and be part of the celebrations! 
  7. Send invitations out about 6 weeks before. Set an rsvp date. Provide your mobile number for people to text a response. A response isn’t always guaranteed so do keep in mind these children may still appear! These days you can send online invites out or what’s app group invites. Check out our downloadable invitation on the website! 
  8. For ideas and inspiration places like Pinterest are great to give you lots of brilliant ideas to create a theme or Wow factor. 
  9. Try not to feel under any pressure based on peer groups or expectations. The most important person you want to please is the birthday boy or girl and as long as everything is for them that’s the key element. 
  10. Get other people to take lots of photographs so you don’t miss out on capturing the memories! The whole party can be a bit of a blur and you can be busy so asking other people to take photos means you get some lovely images. 
  11. Have spare party bags or extra party bag contents just incase an unexpected sibling turns up or someone who hasn’t rsvp’d does actually turn up. 
  12. Dont forget to enjoy it! Try not to stress. Whatever happens your child will have a great time and that’s all that matters.