What is play and does it affect a child's development? 

Choosing the right toy is easier than you think. It just takes a little time and a little research. Just remember the basics: understand who the toy is for, including the age and gender of the child, his or her interests, and even how the toy will be used. Some toys emphasize simple play patterns, while others stimulate a child's dexterity, thinking, social skills, or educational development. What's your goal? 

Toys are for fun, but they also can play a positive role in a child's educational, social, emotional, and physical development. Some of the most widely accepted theories on childhood play habits focus on the powerful influence toys have on development skills. Play is one of the primary ways that children master new and sometimes complex skills. With toys, they can interact with objects for their own amusement while working on cognitive and motor skills, especially important in very young children and kids with some learning or physical challenges. 

Toys have the potential for teaching as well. Toys that challenge children may stimulate their capacity to reason and parents should monitor the kinds of toys and images that cross their children's path. Prudent purchases and careful TV monitoring are always advised, but it is especially prudent given the preponderance of toy ads tied to children's programming. 

Playing with a toy with a parent or adult helps babies interact with others and aids in language development. Babies like to play peek-a-boo with toys because they are just learning that the toys exist even when they are not seen or heard. Peer toy play by elementary school students helps them develop a mature sense of rules as well as right and wrong. 

Stuffed animals can help a toddler make the transition from infant dependency on mom and dad to more independent play common in early childhood. Preschoolers can communicate problems they are having though their play with toys, even when they can't communicate them directly. Preschool children need to see that they can cause interesting things to happen when they put their mind to it, and playing with toys helps them accomplish that. Toys also empower children by permitting them to control their environment, at least temporarily. Older kids need to see that they are playing correctly and succeeding. 

Toy Safety Tips 

Buying safe toys is extremely important, especially when there are children of different ages in the house. Make sure a toy does not have a cord or pull string long enough to wrap around a young one's neck and cut off air supply. Packaging should not have sharp corners or wire ties. Small parts that are less than 3 inches by 3 inches are a swallowing hazard for ages 4 and younger. Keep such pieces out of reach and remind older children to put such items beyond the reach of smaller children. Battery-operated toys should be in a tight, secure compartment. Compartments that require a small screwdriver to open and close are safest. Keep this tool out of reach of children under 12. Talking devices in interactive toys should be securely enclosed. Zippers are acceptable. 

If you think a toy might be dangerous, remove it from your child's reach immediately. Return it to the store where you bought it. Be sure you have the right assembly tools and batteries to avoid disappointment. 

Marianne M. Szymanski 
President 
Toy Tips, Inc. 
Publisher of Toy Tips.com and Kid Tips Magazine 
Co-Author, Toy Tips, A Parent's Essental Guide to Smart Toy Choices 
3611 Jerelin Drive 
Franklin, WI 53132 
414-421-9668 
414-421-9778 fax

marianne@toytips.com