Age Appropriate Toys For Children
What are toys? Toys are a child"s means of learning about his or her environment
. Appropriate toys at the appropriate age can facilitate a child"s understanding about the relationship of things to each other and to the world at large. Unfortunately, these are not always the toys we choose for our children. We have all seen a child prefer a colorful to a present itself, or witnessed a child"s fascination with pots and pans rather than the toys we choose. A toy can have a different meaning to a child than it does to us as parents. Sometimes an unlikely stuffed figure can become a child"s most prized possession. Toys help children think and understand. Toys that are too easy will bore your child. Those that are too advanced will annoy him. But pick one that's just right for his skill level, and you'll be giving him hours of education, exploration, and enjoyment. Toys are an investment in a child's development.We must understand the physical and mental development of children that will enable you to better choose toys for the little ones around you. Toys that children enjoy becoming more diverse, varied and complex as they grow older. An ever-increasing gray zone develops between what is safe and unsafe, so rely on your intuition and experience when deciding which toys can be given to an older child.
A child is dependent on the parents and family to determine what games or toys are appropriate. If we think of toys as a fulfilling learning need then we better select the appropriate toy. Toy stores are sometimes helpful in selecting general age-appropriate toys, but parents must know their own child. As young children develop their sensory motor and visual perceptual growth, appropriate toys may include colorful manipulative toys. For example, squeezable toys, blocks, and large, easily held toys that cannot be swallowed are most useful. As children grow, stuffed toys, building toys, and larger screw-together toys are appropriate. The next step requires smaller blocks that can be stuck together. At some point, books with large letters and colorful pictures are useful. As children mature and start reading, many books are available. Toys that are manipulative or require handling small pieces come into play. Eventually, games and electronic games become more popular and interesting to children. During this entire sequence, children sometimes enjoy cars, dolls, and new toys introduced by the toy manufacturers. As parents, you must ensure that your toy selection fits your child"s needs.
Parents should heed the warning and guidelines listed on toy purchases and gifts regarding the age recommendations on that particular product:
"Don"t purchase toys without proper warnings, warnings, instructions or age recommendations.
"Dart guns, sling shots, and pea-shooters with projectile parts can cause eye injury or blindness.
"Toys that string across cribs or playpens can result in strangulation death and injuries.
"Toys containing small parts and small removable attachments at the end of the laces and strings (e.g., bells, knobs, etc.) can be swallowed or aspirated, causing choking.
"Toys with pointed tips, and blunt or sharp edges can crush, cut or puncture children"s skin.
"Toys with strings longer than 6 inches can strangle small children.
"Make sure toys that require electricity to function have step-down transformers to lessen the risk of shock and electrocution.
"Long handled toys for children up to 4 years of age are choking hazards. It is possible for children to place these toys in their mouths and choke.
"Toys with toxic surfaces or components have the potential to be ingested or cause skin irritations.
No matter the age, remember that safety is the key. Is the child mature enough to handle and understand the toy? While a child may want what's pitched in the latest TV ad campaign, buying age-appropriate toys is the best way to insure that your child will have a fun, interesting, and safe childhood.
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