When your child is just a toddler, there are so many different types of toys you can buy for them. Some will even be happy sitting in front of a games console all day, racing cars and playing shoot ‘em ups. So what are the best sorts of toys for your child?
Whilst it may be impressive to see a three year old slaying baddies and performing moves on games you had no idea could even be done, they are somewhat counter-productive for children and can in some cases even be harmful. At such an age when children are very impressionable, allowing them to play such games can have a lasting psychological effect, whilst also making them less inclined to play more simple games, using children’s toys to help develop their imagination and intelligence.
Some computer games that encourage learning and problem solving can be good in small doses, but on the whole most of the games designed for use on video consoles will be having a negative effect on young children. Even as they start primary school, such games can still have negative effects, causing bad grades and behavioural issues in a surprising number of children.
It also can be damaging for children socially. The toys they play with should help them develop social aspects and with more and more time spent in front of a screen, whether that is with computers or simply watching cartoons, not only will social skills suffer, but it can also have an effect on health in general from that of lack of exercise to eye strain for the developing eyes.
When looking at buying childrens toys, it is much more effective for toddlers to have educational toys. Many of the simplest toys are actually the best, helping develop everything from numeracy and literacy to those social skills and simple problem solving.
Toddlers are usually full of energy and dampening that with too much TV or computer games can have a very negative effect. Educational toys can help harness this energy in a productive way and constructively help all areas of development for the child. Instead of computer games, push toys and play sets will be much more beneficial as will things such as building blocks and even just simple cuddly toys.
The great thing about many of the physical toys on the market today is that they almost all offer some type of educational advancement for the children, whilst also ensuring that they get up and about and don’t join the growing obesity statistics.
The other benefits are that they can actually be surprisingly cheap. Online clearance sites will often sell toys at up to 80% discounts on the original prices, meaning that by just shopping around you can find them plenty of toys to help develop their brain without breaking the bank.
At this age, children’s brains are like sponges. So when you are thinking about toys for them, it is important to ensure their brains will be absorbing the right things.