December arrives and the family gathers to follow one of the most important traditions of the year, celebrating Christmas. Special parties where children receive gifts.
When purchasing them it is very important to keep in mind that the toys are safe. It is advisable to observe the developmental stage and interests of each child when choosing the toys that best support their fantasies and games. The recommended age on the boxes of each toy is a good indicative guideline for choosing the right gifts.
The first thing to keep in mind is that the toy is an instrument to play with. Children manipulate them and fantasize about them, enjoying a fun time in which the toy becomes the support of their games, and they are also an effective tool to stimulate learning and the development of aspects such as communication and creativity.
Among the most common mistakes is choosing toys that are too complicated or delicate, thinking more about what parents would like their children to receive or about accelerating the acquisition of skills and knowledge, since depending on the type of toy, a type of toy is stimulated. of different development:
- Sensory: Toys that contain music, sounds, bright colors or different textures help the child learn about the environment through their senses.
- Motor: Games that require hand-eye coordination, precision and fine or gross motor skills, with jumping, crawling or dancing movements, exercise children’s psychomotor skills.
- Social: Collective games, whether between equals or family members, involve the development of relationship and communication strategies, acceptance of rules, respect for turns and other social skills.
- Knowledge: From board games to construction games, this type of game involves knowledge that is exercised in each turn or movement, such as attention, memory, creativity, musical sense, logic…
As a guide, age can be a reference;
- From 0 to 3 years old, the child’s evolution is marked by his sensory abilities, from following brightly colored objects with his eyes or touching and tasting everything he can to conquering balance. However, we will have to be attentive to its rapid changes so as not to fall into a gap between the toy and the child’s ability to have fun with it.
- From 3 to 6 years old, children are interested in toys that stimulate dexterity, activity, the creative spirit… Any toy that promotes physical, intellectual and social development will be appropriate.
It must be remembered that toys are not a substitute for relationships between parents and children, but rather a means or complement to them. The game between parents and children:
- It is a natural system of learning concepts and attitudes.
- Reinforces and motivates children’s achievements.
- It is an excellent way to learn about children’s concerns, since play is a vehicle for children to express emotions and feelings.
- It is an engine of development in which parents take the role of representatives of culture and referents of psychological and social determination.
- Create a model and a social awareness that will help you adapt to the environment.
Have you thought about the toys you are going to buy this Christmas?
THE BEST TOY FOR YOUR CHILD IS YOU!!
Sources:
AMEI, World Association of Early Childhood Educators
Pedagogical Coordination
