Entertaining kids without technology

Tyanna Teetzen (‘26 psychology) has worked with children for over five years in a daycare facility, where she observed kids experiencing challenges with attention span, emotional regulation, and behavioral development.

Through her experience, Teetzen noticed a pattern. Children who engaged in high levels of screen time had difficulties focusing and controlling their emotions compared to children who participated in hands-on activities like coloring for set periods of time.

Teetzan began to wonder how flashing bright toys, technology, and other factors in a child’s life influence their behavior. Teetzan loves working with people, particularly children with behavioral needs, which inspired her academic shift from biology to psychology. So, she decided to invent toys that help increase children’s attention spans.

Preparing to Start Something

Teetzan took her innovative idea to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Start Something LAS Academy, where she is developing a business concept to create affordable and useful toys that enhance children’s learning and development. She appreciates the direction the academy instructors provide as she’s refining her business concept.

“Jeff Bull, [associate professor of practice], is really good about meeting you in your project. We have assignments, but they are all self-guided, and so he is teaching all of us different aspects of entrepreneurship at the same time.” Teetzan said.

Teetzan believes that parents should not have to choose between affordability and what’s best for their child’s growth.

“Kids learn through play,” she said. “Toys shouldn’t be a financial burden; they should be accessible to all families.”

With this vision in mind, Teetzan developed a startup company that designs toys without the distractions of flashing lights, screens, and batteries.

Prototyping ideas

One of Teetzan’s prototype toy ideas is a garden box that adapts to different developmental stages, and in turn, grows with the child. Designed to be both durable and versatile, the toy will help infants explore colors and textures, toddlers to develop fine motor skills, and older children to engage in imaginative play and learn about food sources.

Teetzan faces challenges in the business development process, including funding and manufacturing logistics. She is currently conducting customer research to assess market demand and explore manufacturing and licensing options.

“I would love to keep this business my own and fully develop it, but starting up is a big financial risk,” she said. “I could potentially sell my idea to a toy company that is more established and has resources.”

Other potential strategies include launching her own business or licensing the concept to an established toy company. While she has not yet determined the final direction for her business, she is continuing research and development.

Taking the next steps

Regardless of the path, Teetzan’s goal is to have a fully developed business plan and funding opportunities by the time she graduates in 2026.

“I would love to get my idea out there and gain support around my idea from the community. I definitely want to be in a spot where I can make this business a reality,” Tyanna said.