Toys for Toddlers
We know a good toy is safe and durable, fun to use, and is hopefully also a great tool for learning. What we don’t know sometimes though, is which toy is best for our children depending on their age. Luckily, most toys come with an age range listed directly on the box that will let us know which age group will most benefit from the toy. Another way to know which toy is best suited for your child is by following the tips below.
A good toy:
- Will encourage children to imitate real life:
Playsets with miniature figures, kitchen toys, tea sets, medical kits, pretend telephones-they all help children learn about the world around them by bringing it to their level.
- Will inspire problem solving:
Toys like shape sorters, stacking toys and puzzles help children develop the concentration and problem-solving skills they’ll need when they go to school and throughout their adult lives.
- Will invite creativity:
Children love to use paints, crayons and paper. Play dough is great for exercising children’s imaginations and helping their manual dexterity. Building blocks are essential too - children love to play with blocks, they encourage creativity as well as logical thinking.
- Will teach them the wonders of music:
Children love to sing along with, dance to and control the music, and so a durable, child-appropriate CD or tape player and a variety of children’s music are highly recommended. Songs with actions are particularly important-they improve coordination, stimulate the memory and are social, too.
- Will give them a love for reading:
Children should have access to as many books as possible. Even if they just pretend to read, they are still exercising their imaginations and their pre-reading skills. Like toys, books should always be kept in good condition so children learn to respect them.
