Why are toys important in a child's development? It is something that most of us parents do not understand, but toys in our children's world trigger them to develop in ways we could not imagine. Toys are primarily the vehicle for early childhood education as they are essential.
Research has found out that learning through play is an essential part of a child's development. Toys in our baby’s world will help them release the extra energy by acting as an unwinding tool. Toys will enhance our kids' creativity going a long way to assist them in problem-solving as they try to figure out the gadget.
Toys to Enhance Emotional and Social Development
Your young one starts to understand who they are thanks to the world of toys. I.e., by use of mirrors, your young one will begin to realize that the reflection they see is them! Our Penguin Tummy Time Mirror is perfect for this! Through toys, they will easily be able to experience, manage and express their emotions. Your young one also learns through interaction and cooperative learning teamwork.
Toys to Boost IQ
The use of educational toys helps your little one in hand-eye coordination. With your baby’s brain being involved in the thoughtful activity and learning new skills from the toy their intelligence level is boosted. Your kid's motor skills will enhance with cognitive development.
Toys to Enhances Development Of Problem-Solving Skills
Educational toys such as sensory blocks help your young develop problem-solving skills as they try to build the blocks because they have to follow a step-by-step sequence. Through blocks and puzzles, your young one has to use logic and manipulation.
Toys to Improve Concentration
Your child's concentration span is short, but once they have the suitable educational toy, for example, puzzles, it will help build their concentration for longer as they try to solve. Your baby’s attention and focus will be on the toy. Nuby's Wooden Walker is packed with puzzles and games to challenge your little ones mind.
Toys to Enhance Creativity
Your child's curiosity with educational toys allows them to be creative in different ways, thus learning as they get thrilled, leading to learning through the toy. In the process, your young one will learn the patience and the value of hard work.
Toys to Develop Children's Senses
Educational toys play a significant role in helping your young grow their touch, sight, and hearing. Through these toys, which are brightly colored, make noises, and are textured, your young one can develop their fine motor skills and social-emotional capabilities.
What To Consider When Selecting Toys for your Child
Parents have to ensure their children have suitable toys which will facilitate growth in their kids.
- Is the toy challenging?: Your child's toy should be a challenging one that the young one has to try and figure out how it works, its cause and effect. This type of toy will offer your child the opportunity to be creative and help develop your little one's fine motor skills.
- Is the toy safe? Before handing a toy to your young one, you should ensure it is well-made and safe. It should not have any sharp points, should be lead-free paint, shatterproof, easily cleanable, and painted non-toxic. Noting that a safe toy can become hazardous due to tear and wear.
- Is the toy fun? Your child might be the fussy type, and your fun toy may be a bore for them. Try to choose an age-appropriate toy with your child in mind. It is about them and not us.
- Is the toy versatile? The toy you get your child should be engaging and enticing. One that will make your little one develop their cognitive skills.
- Is the toy durable? When choosing a toy for your child, it should be resistant as it will undergo being smashed, bitten, stepped on; therefore, a strong toy will do the trick.
Types Of Toys
Toys are categorized into types, each offering a skill to your child as they grow.
Activity Toys
As the name suggests, these are toys that help your young ones as they go about their day. These toys allow your young ones to develop their coordination skills, helps your child in enhancing their motor skills and balance. This type of toy helps your young one's physical dexterity as it builds their strength and confidence.
Examples of these toys are;
- Swings
- Ride-on toys, i.e., tricycles, bikes
- Beanbags
- Ropes
- Balls
- Nature walks and gardening.
Creative Toys
These are toys that help develop your child's creativity and imagination. Your child's artistic development is encouraged, including the fine motor skills required for writing. examples of these toys are;
- finger paints
- crayons
- clay
Learning Toys
These toys trigger your child to develop their fine motor skills. They help the young one self-recognize as they enhance their social-emotional skills. Your young one can understand more about cause and effect thanks to these toys. examples of these toys are;
- Books
- Blocks
- virtuals (CDs and DVDs)
- Tapes
- Boardgames
- Role-playing
Open-ended Toys
These are toys that can take up more than one role. They are dynamic, ensuring your little one does not get bored quickly with them. They stimulate creativity in your child as their curiosity pushes them to want to know more about them. They steer up the humour in your child as they try to discover the gadget. The social development of your young one is enhanced as well.
How To Organise Children's Toys
After the one-year-old birthday, you can start making your child responsible for organizing their toys after playtime is over.
Tips to make it easy and fun:
- Separate the toy parts: Some toys come lodged together; you can disengage them for better storing. This way, it is easier to store them up.
- Categorize and label: You should categorize the toys, i.e., trains, blocks, puzzles; this way, your child will know where to put their toy appropriately—ensuring to label the storing trough for easier access.
- Use buckets, plastic tubs for outdoor toys, which are mostly big and require much space.
- Maximize space: You should create more space to ensure the toys do not clutter your playroom. You can use behind doors inside closets, under the bed, and wall space to store.
Be creative: You have noticed that one of your children always leaves the others to clean up; nub them by using troughs marked by their names. That way, your kids will have to show what they have done.
About the author: Ryn Ledama is a freelance writer in child development and parenting. You can find out more by following Ryn on LinkedIn.
