ARE WE BUYING KIDS THE WRONG TOYS? FIND THE RIGHT TOYS FOR THE RIGHT AGE!
Are we buying our kids all the wrong toys?
It can be a bit confusing when it comes to buying toys for your pre-schooler! When they are older they sure let you know what they must have ,oh about 11 months in advance of their next birthday! With an abundance of colourful toys screaming for your attention at the toy shop and age recommendations that aren't really helpful (heck everything says over 3 years to save their own but!) The best toys are those designed with a focus on what the child can do, rather than what the toy can do. We need to allow our children to explore their toys intuitively. So what really is the right choice for your child depending on their age and developmental stage?
0- 12 months.
At this developmental stage babies like toys that stimulate the senses. As their brain is rapidly developing they need colour, texture, sound and of course everything gets a test by the mouth! So naturally it is important to offer natural toys like wood and fabric. As mentioned babies love sound, so maybe keep the plastic ones for the noisy variety (good chance they will stare at it and not chew on it!)
So toys that are suitable for this age group are baby blocks, a play gym, things to push pull, shake, rattle and chew!
1-2 years.
Babies at this age start to explore more with their hands and begin to understand cause and effect.
Toys that are suitable for this age group include stackers, blocks, shape sorters, music and things to push, pull and bang!
2-3 years.
The like for pretend play will start to emerge for the toddler.
Toys suitable for this age group are stackers, musical toys, more advanced blocks, make believe, Kids love kitchen items and believe me- even the boys!, Dress ups, simple puzzles and toys for enquiring minds are great.
3-4 years.
Pre-schoolers at this developmental stage learn mostly through observation and imitation.
So therefore toys suitable for this age group are loads of make believe (I want to be just like mum and dad!) Think lawn mower, cash register, tool box and ironing board (oh hang - my kids have never seen me iron!) Dress up's are still huge but have probably moved from Bob the builder to Spiderman! Memory games, threading beads, fishing games, puzzles, cars and dolls are all on the agenda.
4+ years.
At this age a child’s concentration span broadens and they learn to problem solve.
More advanced toys suitable for this age group and beyond, include board games, cards, learning toys, make believe, sports equipment and skill based toys. (like dominoes, skittles or ring toss)
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Also in I'd love to have a minimalist, plastic free, stress free, noise free happy home! Here you might find some tips that I have used so far on my journey! (the noise part is not doing that well)
STACKING TOYS AND HOW THEY HELP YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT!
WHY HIRING TOYS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE!
PRETEND PLAY! WHY IS ROLE PLAY IMPORTANT FOR YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT?
"For the 10th time put your damn shoes on!" you hear your child shout to their teddy whilst chopping up some toy veggies! You might be horrified at first but don't be - this is good!
Pretend play or role play is an important part of childhood allowing your child to express their emotions...
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