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The toy on the store shelf was grotesque – a creature with the face of a
beast, the physique of Schwarzenegger, and a hollowed-out, spring-loaded
arm capable of firing plastic missiles. Paul, 5, had to have it.
Mom was clever in her response. She led Paul to another aisle, where
she showed him an art kit of paints, markers, and color pencils.
"You can draw your own creatures," she said.
Paul went for the idea. Mom carried the day. Art supplies will help
Paul develop his drawing skills and creativity. An armed action figure
provides only limited creative play opportunities and you may not want to
encourage aggressive play.
Children are constantly working to learn about the world. The right toys
can make the job easier. Toys can flex their imagination, stretch their
creativity, and help them get ready for school.
But with so many toys and the vigorous marketing that surrounds them,
choosing the right ones can be difficult. Knowing a few guidelines may
help.
Building sets help children create their own toys. Blocks and Lego sets
challenge children to use their imagination to create houses, trucks, or
whatever else they dream up. Paints, crayons, glue, scissors, construction
paper, modeling clay, and even egg cartons also present children with
creative challenges that can be fun and rewarding.
Dress-up clothes, play furniture, dolls, toy kitchens, and tool sets help
children practice grown-up life.
Some toys benefit children in other ways. Preschoolers like to feel
control and power. Toys that make loud noises, or toys like punching
bags that require physical strength, may help them feel powerful and
strong. Soft toys that can be hugged may help children when they are
upset.
Safety is another consideration. Toys for preschoolers should not
have small parts that can be swallowed, especially if a young
brother of sister is around. Toys should not splinter and, if painted,
the paint should not chip off. All toys, particularly art supplies,
should be non-toxic.
Read all labels, but don’t rely on them as fact. This is especially
important when judging the developmental appropriateness of a toy.
And be careful about advertising. If you’ve watched any amount of
children’s television it should be clear that toy advertisements are
hard-sell, first and foremost. It’s up to you, as parent, to be the
final judge of the safety and developmental value of your child’s
toys.
This column is written by Robert B. McCall, Co-Director of the
Office of Child Development and Professor of Psychology, and is provided as a
public service by the Frank and Theresa Caplan Fund for Early Childhood Development
and Parenting Education.