When is a toy not a toy?

There is purpose and reason behind buying all those toys for children - apart from making toy shops rich and you poor , your house cluttered etc etc.

Specific toys are designed for developing and enhancing specific skills in children and believe it or not they are toys that have been around for years 

Shape sorter 

is used for visual discrimination (for reading) and fine motor skills

Bricks 

spatial skills, construction skills and understanding cause and effect.

Cars, farmyard animals, zoos  

creating scenes and stories, imagination, understanding the world.

Books 

 visual, listening, language, pre-reading skills 

crayons and paper 

pencil control and co-ordination for later writing ability, using symbols to represent words and pictures.

Jigsaws 

the idea of “something is missing and what is it?” co-ordination

Tricycle, car 

 physical strength, balance and co-ordination

Dress – up clothes

 imagination, understanding the world, creative role playing and co-operation   yes this does mean that they are allowed to strutt around in your new shoes, and experiment with your new make-up!   

Think before you buy

Consider what skills you are hoping to encourage from the toy, many have the same elements stacking, sorting and posting- these help to develop skills such as manipulation and colour recognition.

• Buy a variety of toys that cover a range of different activities and extended play value as the child grows.
• Small children have a short attention span and will soon tire of a toy. So, be careful not to put out too many toys as the child will be overwhelmed by the choice.
• In choosing an activity toy for your child, think first where they are going to use it most. i.e. cot, floor.

When buying a toy for a baby or small child 

There are a few things that you should look for to make sure that the toy is suitable for the age group and above all safe for that particular age group.

• Are there any small detachable parts that can be stored up a nose or in an ear!
• Are all the finishes smooth?
• Is it suitable for the age of the child?
• Are paints, crayons or markers all non-toxic?
• Is it safe for the age group it’s intended?
• Is the material flame resistant?
• Does it carry the CE mark of safety?

Suitable toys for 0-6 month babies

• Mobiles : whether bought or made should be hung out of the baby’s reach
• Musical toys and Rattles
• Small holdable toys in cloth or plastic which makes sounds
• Activity Centres, Activity Mats, Play gyms,
•  Cloth books,  Board books
• Bath toys, Bath books 

Toys influence future career...

Did you know that the playthings you buy for your children could influence their choice of career. (University of East Anglia).Their study showed that girls when given toys such as construction sets or scientific kits are more likely to choose a technical career. But girls need to be given more encouragement and access to these so-called  “boys “ toys’ in order to release their true potential