Let’s take a closer look at 4 important points that need to be considered in terms of child development and toys.
Open-ended toys can help to spark imagination and creativity
Toys that children can play with numerous ways to help their brains expand and help them think in terms of narratives. In turn, this helps them view the world in a broader way. Creativity is critical to nurturing and helping children learn how to think outside of the box.
When children are given simple items like pretend food, mini-cars, balls, animal toys, dolls, and blocks, they take that as an invitation to start to create a story and live scenarios out in their minds. The first classroom of a child is playing.
Even with items that were not originally designed to be toys, children will re-assign them that way very quickly, especially if that is all that is available. A box, a container, a rock, a stick – those are all great items that can help give your child’s imagination a boost.
Toys teach children about STEM
Children have brains that are like sponges. They constantly input information from the things surrounding them. Toys give children another way to explore mathematics, art, engineering, technology, and science. Whether a toy is complex or simple, they can teach your child a lesson and stress how important toys are in a child’s development.
When a tower is built with blocks by a child and he or she sees it falling to the ground, that gives a lesson in physics. When a remote control car is bounced around simply from the controller’s radio waves makes children curious about how everything works. Doing a puzzle can stimulate a child’s brain and will help them explore various patterns.
In terms of toys, never underestimate how powerful education can be. Children learn from creative play since it engages their senses. That provides them with a cognitive edge and helps them get excited to keep exploring more about their surrounding world.
Toys refine the motor development of a child
Whenever a child grabs a toy and learns how to manipulate it, this improves their eye/hand coordination since they are practising their motor skills. That helps your child move through the various physical development stages. If you’re looking for great educational and playful toys, then Beesy Box are a great family-run business to consider.
Toys that need to be turned, pinched, grabbed, pulled, pushed, or otherwise need their body and hands to make them do something are critical to the growth of children.
Small toys, like blocks, cars, and dolls that fit into the hands of your child have a tendency to be favourites since they are very easy to carry and hold. Using their hands to put them in their pockets or position their toys give childen ultimate control. Smaller details on toys like beads, zippers, or buttons give children great practice for developing their fine motor details.
Bigger toys that are manipulated by children with their entire bodies are just as useful in helping children develop physically. So whether that involves catching or throwing a beach ball, jumping on pogo stocks, learning how to ride a bike, children that are able to master those skills can handle difficult tasks better later on.
It can be overwhelming to have too many toys
As important and wonderful as toys are, keep in mind that having too many options can be overwhelming for a child. In terms of toys, quantity is not superior to quality. It is better for your child to have fewer toys that they can do more with compared to toys that simply accumulate in the play area and create clutter.
If your child is having a hard time cleaning their toys up, saying they are bored or have big emotions that they have to deal with during playtime despite having many toys, there is a good chance that their over-abundance of toys is affecting their emotional well-being.