Special “Thomas & Friends™ Friendship Sets” Help Teach Preschoolers How to Be Brave and Make New Friends for Upcoming School Year

Parents can enter to win the exclusive train sets in back-to-school sweepstakes

EL SEGUNDO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Thomas & Friends™, the iconic global preschool brand, launched a sweepstakes for a chance to win a special “Thomas & Friends™ Friendship Set,” designed to help preschoolers build socio-emotional skills like caring for others, being brave, and showing kindness. Created in partnership with child development expert, Lee Scott, each set includes five trains that come with tips and activities to assist parents and caregivers with a smooth back-to-school transition for their little ones.

As the new school year approaches, many parents and caregivers acknowledge that the first week will feel unique, especially after the past year and a half. For some little ones, it may be the first time they ever enter a preschool or daycare environment. Parents are more concerned than ever about the socio-emotional well-being of their children after research has shown a negative impact on children’s mental health after being at home more than usual, having less time with other children, and missing out on face-to-face time with teachers in the past school year. This inspired the Thomas & Friends brand to come to the rescue and help make it easier for kids when they enter or return to school and learn to interact with others and most importantly – make new friends.

“This year has been vastly different for families and we saw a great opportunity to give parents some peace of mind by sending their kids off to school with Thomas & Friends by their side,” said Chuck Scothon, SVP and GM of Infant and Preschool, Mattel. “The Thomas & Friends brand is drawing upon its legacy as a brand rooted in friendship by helping young children feel brave as they enter this next chapter of their childhood through parent-friendly tips encouraging little ones to be brave this school year.”

The “Thomas & Friends Friendship Set” will feature five trains including Thomas himself and four of his friendly pals – each representing a unique back-to-school tip. Each train will correspond with a different day of the week and offers a new daily prompt parents can use to build up their kids for the school day ahead.

The Thomas & Friends brand worked with Lee Scott, educational advisory board member for the Goddard schools and child development expert, to weigh on the challenges children face to ensure the Thomas & Friends brand could provide tools for parents and inspiration for kids including:

• Monday: Thomas – Bravery & Self-Awareness
• Tuesday: Ashima – Curiosity & Social Awareness
• Wednesday: Percy – Helpful & Responsible Decision-Making
• Thursday: Nia – Creativity & Self-Management
• Friday: Toby – Friendship & Relationship Skills

“Learning, while important, is not the main concern in 2021- the big concern is children’s social-emotional health and well-being. The Thomas & Friends brand will not only be a companion for children, but also teach them important attributes along the way,” said Child Development expert, Lee Scott. “These daily playful activities focus on essential social-emotional skills while supporting your child’s school readiness with a little fun as you plan your back-to-school routines.”

Starting today through August 15, parents can enter for a chance to win a special “Thomas & Friends Friendship Set” by visiting www.WinwithThomasAndFriends.com. Winners will be randomly selected at the close of registration from all accepted entries. Participants must be legal residents of the (50) U.S., D.C. or Canada (excluding Quebec), age 18 or older as of date of entry. Registration begins at 12:00am ET on August 5, 2021 and ends at 11:59p ET on August 15, 2021. For complete official rules including eligibility and prize details, visit www.WinwithThomasAndFriends.com.

Additionally, to continue celebrating Back-to-School season, Target is offering a buy one, get one 50 percent off all Thomas & Friends toys at participating Target stores now through August 7, 2021.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global children’s entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic franchises, including Barbie^®, Hot Wheels^®, American Girl^®, Fisher-Price^®, Thomas & Friends™ and MEGA^®, as well as other popular brands that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music and live events. We operate in 40 locations and sell products in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and technology companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in exploring the wonder of childhood and empowering kids to reach their full potential. Visit us online at www.mattel.com.

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