Rene Hackney
Originally a full-time preschool teacher, Dr. Rene Hackney now holds a Master?s in school psychology and a PhD. in developmental psychology from George Mason University. She trained at the Developmental Clinic at Children?s National Medical Center and for the public schools, teaching in parenting programs at each. She has also acted as a consultant to several area preschools.
For the last four years, Dr. Hackney has owned and lectured for Parenting Playgroups, Inc, a parenting resource center and preschool classroom in Alexandria Virginia. She has offered workshops to a wide
range of parent, teacher and social work groups during this time.
Workshop topics include eight hours on positive discipline techniques, five hours on early academic issues and common issues such as sibling rivalry and potty training. All workshops provide well researched lecture, in-class practice and open discussion time. Additionally she hosts a monthly parenting focused book club and fun play programs to introduce the preschool setting to young families.
Dr. Hackney is married and has two young children of her own.
Host: What else should parents consider when purchasing toys? Dr. Rene Hackney: When purchasing toys parents might of they consider the parental values. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio they look at, are things promoting violence, are things promoting sexism or racism, where you would not want those in your home. They might also look at just how fun a toy is. You do not want to buy a toy that kid are not going to play with, so looking at it how fun it is and that is a good time to read those reviews online. Some of those reviews places online have actually where, children who have played with the toys have written the review. So you know whether it is good or bad fit with being fun.
Videos in this Series

What else should parents consider when purchasing toys?