Provide the Best Toys and the Safest Place for Children to Play
By Adwina D. Jackson
Playing is children’s world. As a parent, you probably one of some of those who find it irresistible to always get new toys for your children. There is really nothing wrong with it. However, you need to remember two important things.
The first is you have to get the best educational toys for your children. The next one is you must also create a safe playing environment for them. The explanation below will help you find the best ways for these two essential matters.
A. How to Choose the Best Educational Toys for Children
It is hard to find what you need if you do not know what you are looking for. With a million toys on the market today, it is tough to pick out the best combinations of fun and learning. However, every beneficial toy should be fun, safe, and help the child develop and exercise some skill. When faced with so many choices, asking yourself some simple questions about your child's development can help you make the best selection.
The following is a list of characteristics you should look for in a good, educational toy:
1. Sensory attraction: How many senses will the toy occupy? Does it respond to and with lights, sounds, or movement? Is it colorful? Does it have a smell or a texture?
2. Activation method: Will the toy provide a challenge without frustrating your child? Will it be a fun and rewarding experience?
3. Self-expression: Will the toy allow your child to express himself, be creative, and make choices?
4. Success potential: How many "correct" ways are there to play with the toy? Can play be open-ended with no right or wrong responses? Will the toy adapt to your child's ability and style?
5. Ways of use: Can the toy be used in many different positions? Can it be used in different kinds of play?
6. Popularity: Is it a popular toy? Can it be tied-in with other media such as storybooks, television or movies?
7. Flexibility: Does it have adjustable volume, speed, and level of difficulty?
8. Opportunities for interaction: Does the toy provide a chance for you or other children to be involved? Will it build social skills?
9. Individuality and growth: Will the toy engage your child in activities that indicate the child's developmental age and growth? Does it reflect the child's interests?
10. Safety and durability: Is the toy durable, considering your child's age and strength? Is it safe?
B. How to Create a Safe Playing Environment
As a parent, your biggest issue is your child's safety, and this is an everyday issue that does not end with baby proofing your house. Infants, toddlers and young children spend a lot of time with their toys, and a host of anxieties might flood your mind when you are buying a toy.
The following is a safety checklist that will help you choose prudent toys and create a safe play environment for your offspring:
1. Be selective. Keep your child's interest and abilities in mind. Expensive does not always mean good; quantity is not a substitute for quality.
2. Read labels. Consider the age range and safety warnings printed on the box, and make sure that the toy is non-toxic.
3. Take into account all the children in your home. A toy intended for an older child might be dangerous if it comes in the hands of a younger one.
4. When buying for children under three, choose toys that do not have small or detachable pieces, are free of sharp edges, and are lightweight.
5. At home, read the instructions for assembly and use. Save product literature and warranty.
6. Take off all packaging before giving the toy to a baby or small child.
7. Supervise your child's use of the toy, at least initially, and set an example of safe play.
8. Remind caregivers about toy-related safety precautions.
9. Store the toys in a safe place. Large, stackable plastic containers and secure, open shelves are some good options. If you are using a storage chest, make sure that it is either removable or remains securely open. Also, check the chest for smooth finishing, air holes to prevent suffocation, and make sure that the edges are not too sharp.
10. Check the toys periodically (every ten weeks) to make sure they are safe.
You also need to take part in the playing. Your children will not get the best what they should if you let them play alone. Stimulating them using those toys, supported by safe playing circumstances, is a brilliant effort to enhance your children’s brain and physical developments.
Adwina Jackson has a deep concern on parenting. Get her inspirational guides about Educational Toys at http://insparenting.com/guides/educational-toys/
Also, grasp her other motivational parenting tips at http://insparenting.com, a worth-to-visit daily updated blog.
