The best toys for children’s development

Today, many toys are digital and can talk, interact, sing, and dance with your child. However, heavy use of electronic media may be too much for your kid’s developing brain.

A study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) sheds new light on choosing the right toys for a child’s development in an age where digital toys, media, and toys replace toys. traditional children.

Purpose of the toy

To help you find the best toy for your child’s development, you should remember the exact purpose the toy is used for. The AAP describes a toy as an ideal and important opportunity for parents and other caregivers to fully engage with children using the toy as a tool for play and interaction.

Traditional toys are better than digital toys

Pediatricians say that the best toys for young children are traditional ones that can be enjoyed by parents. Think of things like wooden blocks, puzzles, nesting cups, loopers, and toy scissors.

Household items also make great toys, such as cardboard boxes, pots and pans, and homemade noise shakers. All of these items help train fine motor skills and spark imagination and creativity.

Imagination and development

Pretending through toy characters, such as stuffed animals and related toys, such as cars, can encourage children to express different experiences they may have had or something they are interested in. By pretending, children experiment with decision making about manners and are also practicing their social skills.

This type of imaginative play will ultimately facilitate language development, emotional self-regulation (such as self-soothing), symbolic thinking, and socio-emotional development. This type of toy also helps toddlers express how they see the world and their place in it.

Effects of playing video games too much

The AAP cites studies showing that heavy use of electronic media can interfere with children’s speech and language development and replace important parental playtime. While children may be playing with educational content, such as learning the ABCs, they are still not practicing speaking to others or interacting with their parents.

There’s also research showing that too much screen time can promote childhood obesity. Think about how many hours they can spend playing games on their iPads, which can be replaced by physical activity around the house or outside.

Children exposed to a lot of electronic devices will affect many problems. (Internet photo)

Like many things, electronic toys in moderation are fine. The important rule to follow here is that media use should not replace playtime and face-to-face interaction with parents or other children.

A good rule of thumb when buying toys is to match your child’s developing skills and abilities and look for ones that further encourage the development of new skills. Developmental enhancement toys may be appropriate, especially when caregivers assist a child in learning a new skill.

Overstimulation from electronic devices

Overstimulation occurs when a child is overwhelmed by the many experiences, sensations, noises, and activities they can cope with. This can happen when electronic toys or video games are too advanced for a child’s age, thus causing them to become overstimulated and irritable.

Overstimulation can also be triggered through experiences, such as overcrowded, noisy rooms or events.

How can you tell if a toddler is overstimulated? Notice if they suddenly feel tired and overworked. Also, look out for some indicators of this overstimulation.

– Seems to be suddenly irritable and irritable after playing with toys

– Crying and can’t use words to describe my feelings

– Throw yourself to the floor in tears or anger

– Lets you know they no longer want to do a particular activity

Refusing to do simple things like wearing a seat belt.

If you notice any of these signs, try to spend some quiet time in a familiar, quiet environment.

Important things for children’s toys

Provide children with toys that are safe and developmentally appropriate. You don’t have to buy expensive or fancy toys, simply the best. If you need somewhere to start, check out this list of age-appropriate toys selected for developmental milestones.

Choose toys that don’t overstimulate and encourage children to use their imagination.

Finally, toys should be played with other children, parents or caregivers. This social interaction is one of the best things you can do for your child’s development.