Toys play an integral part of early childhood development. But with so many toys on offer, how can parents select age-appropriate options for every one of their little ones?
Unfortunately, many toys make annoying sounds or take up unnecessary space and don’t stimulate play – instead being designed merely as entertainment devices for children. Yet finding appropriate toys for your children’s cognitive development could have major benefits for their overall development in multiple ways.
Why have rattles, blocks and dolls stood the test of time? You might assume as technology progresses that older toys would give way to something flashier and brighter; yet many babies now own these classic items that promote problem-solving skills, imagination creativity and sensory exploration.
As an Early Childhood Education specialist and now homeschool my own preschool-aged children, these toys have been essential. I purchased them both for them as well as any of my friends or acquaintances with young ones in need.
Less is always more when it comes to toys for your child; chances are, they’d much rather play with your car keys or trash than any expensive designer rattles!