Toys That Grow With Young Children
Playing is everything to young children! It is essential to their growth and development. It is how they explore their world and learn to walk, talk, sing, draw, and make friends. The toys that capture their attention are often the most basic ones. Parents today may feel it’s necessary to buy learning toys with all the bells and whistles, but there is no scientific evidence that they boost IQ. Electronic toys ask for a specific response and can be played with in a limited way. Classic toys are more versatile because children can play with them in a variety of ways.
The following is a list of toy-chest favorites:
1. Balls. Babies can stare, grab, and chew at them. Toddlers and preschoolers can roll and throw them. Choose balls of different sizes and textures.
2. Wooden Blocks. Babies can gnaw on, swat and grab them. Toddlers and preschoolers can stack and sort them. They can also be used to build forts, bridges, or whatever their imagination will allow.
3. Puzzles. Whether the puzzles are simple or more complicated, young children learn problem-solving and work on small motor skills.
4. Stuffed animals or dolls. Babies and toddlers fondle and chew on them. All young children can carry and cuddle their lovey. Preschoolers may use them to engage in pretend play.
Other ideas for great toys for young children include: simple board games, musical instruments, crayons and waterproof markers.
Common household objects can create a world of fun also. In the bedroom, blankets and sheets can be used to play peekaboo or to make a secret fort. In the bathroom, plastic cups and pitchers can be used in the tub for dump and pour. In the kitchen, pots, pans, and wooden spoons can be used to make “soup” or just a noisy band.
Classic toys, such as those mentioned above, may not be a parent’s first choice but give them a try. They provide children with continuous opportunities to explore, wonder, create and learn.
Jill Phillips
Parent Educator