Children and play go hand in hand. This natural desire for children to want to play starts soon after birth and develops in various ways as the child grows and develops.
Children are of course naturally curious about everything. Different objects, shapes, sounds, textures and colours attract them.
They will try and investigate everything that surrounds them. They learn by using all their senses. Ever curious about the shapes, colours, sounds, tastes and smells in their environment. If something intrigues or stimulates them they will use their senses to find out more.
As a parent we want to do everything we can to encourage this natural curiosity. A baby will not initially ask for a toy but as a loving parent, relative or friend we want to indulge the child and give him or her a gift. For a child one of the greatest gifts we can give – is the gift of play. As adults we quickly learn from seeing the child’s reaction how much play value a toy has. We can then use this knowledge to help ensure the child plays with toys that satisfy his or hers changing needs as her senses and requirements grow and develop.
Well-chosen toys not only provide fun and entertainment for your child but can also provide essential exercise and physical activity. This helps keep your children fit, healthy happy and also aids their cognitive development. A good toy is also a powerful tool for helping children learn and discover more about themselves and their surroundings in a fun and entertaining manner.
There are now available a huge variety of toys suitable for children from birth upwards. Children of all ages love toys but according to research the first three years are the most important in terms of growth and development. It is vital during this period that the adult selects what would be the most appropriate toys. All toys especially in this sector undergo very strict safety testing and assessment. There are in place strict legal requirements to ensure that the toy, including its packaging and labelling are safe , fit for purpose and appropriate for the child’s age.
All new toys are initially attractive to children but it is the toys that have the greatest play value that ensure longevity in the childs selection of his or her favourite toys. Putting it very simply the greater the play value of the toy the more the toy will be loved by the child and the more the child will benefit from the toy.
It is the adults responsibility to ensure that any new toy is appropriate for the age and stage of development that the child has reached.
When buying a toy for a child it is understandable that you want the child to have the best and safest available. It is very important to be aware that the childs needs and requirements are ever changing and that you choose a toy appropriate for the childs age and stage of development.
All children need toys. When choosing a toy for your child the most important thing is not how shiny it is, how nice it looks, how cool the packaging or how expensive it is. The most important thing is how much play value that toy will give to the child.
Remember this the next time you are choosing a toy!