Kids and The Power Of Play!

Right from the start, children set out to figure out how everything around them works. Children use toys as their "tools" to figure out how many things work.

Have you ever watched a child play with a good quality educational toy?

Children learn concentration, learning through trial and error, problem solving, eye/hand coordination, exploration, imaginary play/role playing and develop a love of learning as they explore the world around them through play. At each age, children learn different skills and may play with the same toy in different ways.

One of the most important aspects of play is having a parent involved. Children will learn on their own but having a parent to play with them creates lasting memories for the child and the parent. This play time also allows the parent to see how well the child is developing.

Choosing a good toy can be hard with everything on the market today. There are several aspects that a parent should consider when choosing a toy for their child:

Is the toy or product well designed? Is it safe? Are there any potential hazards such as sharp edges, parts that can be swallowed, or loose ties? Is it nontoxic? Does it meet TIA and Consumer Product Safety Standards? How durable is it? Will it take rough treatment? Is there a guarantee on the product?

I found the following info very helpful when choosing toys for my girls:

1. CHECK AGE LABELS:  Don't confuse age labels with your child's intellectual ability to play with the toy or game.  Just because your child enjoys, understands or can play with the toy or game doesn't mean it's safe for him or her.  Age labels are safety, not development ratings!

2. BEWARE OF CHOKING:  For infants, toddlers and all children who still put objects in their mouths, avoid toys with small parts that could pose a fatal choking hazard. Unfortunately, the government standard for choking hazards is too weak.  Many objects that will pass the test can easily choke a child.  Rattles, balls, blocks and other small parts should be at least 1.75 inches in diameter.  SafeChild.net recommends this simple test:  If the item can fit inside a toilet paper roll, keep it away from small children.

3. EXAMINE THE TOY:  Look for sturdy construction, such as tightly secured eyes, nose and other potential small parts and well-sewn seams on stuffed animals and cloth dolls.  Be sure that eyes, noses, ribbons, buttons and other decorative items can't break or be pulled off.  For all children under eight, avoid toys with sharp edges and points.

4. AVOID KNOWN HAZARDS:  Avoid toys that can be shot or propelled.  Do not let your child put caps in his pockets.  They can easily ignite and cause burns. Discard plastic wrappings on toys immediately, before they become deadly playthings.  Never let your child play with latex balloons including uninflated balloons or balloon parts. Avoid toys that make loud noises, such as cap guns, as they can damage a child's hearing. Strings and ribbons on toys should be no longer than six inches to prevent strangulation.

5. REGULARLY CHECK THE SAFECHILD.NET WEBSITE FOR RECALLS:  Millions of toys are recalled every year and parents never find out about them.  The only way to protect your child from these hidden hazards is to KNOW about them. Log on to SafeChild.net and check the status of the toys your child has, and then check back every month for updates.  SafeChild.net is unbiased, advertiser free and dedicated to just one thing: keeping your child safe!

For additional toy safety tips, go to http://www.SafeChild.net/

Is the product appropriate now? Does the product fit the child's age, skills, and abilities? Will the toy hold the child's interests?

Is the toy or product appealing? Is the toy something the child will enjoy using for a long time? Does the toy have long-lasting play value? Is it versatile?

Does the toy offer an opportunity to stimulate creativity? The right products in arts, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement, and drama can help to expand the child's imagination, thinking, and comprehension.

Does the toy match the package and the advertising? If the toy doesn’t live up to expectations, it can be disappointing. Is the package clear about the appropriate age level?

Will the product teach? Does it help build self-esteem, values, understanding, and cultural awareness? Does it offer practice in skills, eye-hand coordination, or fine and large motor skills? Does the product help teach communication skills? Does it expand understanding of the environment, the community, and the world? Does it teach or provide practice in computer skills?

Is the toy affordable? Does the price match the value received?

Will the product frustrate or challenge the child? Does the product offer an opportunity to think, learn something new, practice, or try something that will be beneficial? Or will it be too difficult for the child to use? Some products are perfect for playing a game or doing an activity, construction project, craft, or hobby as a family. Having fun together as a family is an important part of the child's play experiences.

Will the toy help to nurture childhood? Can the child use the toy by himself? Will the toy help her gain independent skills? Does the toy help the child express emotions, experience care and concern for others, or practice positive social interaction? Is there any violence, sexism, or negative aspect to the product?

Is the toy fun? Most importantly, will the child enjoy playing with the toy? Will it make him or her laugh? Relax? Feel good? Play is, after all, a time to have fun. Learning is a lot easier and is more enduring if it's fun!