Play is very important in encouraging the attainment of new skills, especially for children. We spoke to an expert who gave advice on toys that help your child’s development while having fun
Playing is fun, but did you know that it goes way beyond pleasure? Children learn through play. This is how they also develop a number of important skills. These range from movements, like bringing something to your mouth or shaking something or pressing a button to hear a sound or see a light, to reasoning, like picking up a piece of a certain shape to fit it in the right place. These seem like little things, but they are very important and lead to bigger results down the road. Some toys can help stimulate these skills, as explained by neuropsychologist Deborah Moss, Master in Developmental Psychology (USP).
“In the past, perhaps at the time of our grandparents, great-grandparents, when a child was born, the parents didn’t know if he would ‘revenge’ or if he would die in the first few months. The newborn was seen as very fragile. So he was little stimulated, lying down, wrapped in a blanket. Today the child is born already alert, he interacts, even if in a simple way, so he is freer,” he explains. “Today, a mobile phone is placed in the crib. It is assumed that the baby can see. We play music, because we know that he listens. Also, the parents talk to him, so, from the maternity ward, he is already involved in this cloak of language,” she says
According to the neuropsychologist, toys that help in development play an important role. They help in language learning, in the motor, cognitive and social part. But which ones to offer to children, to make the most of this possibility of stimulating certain skills? With Deborah’s help, we made a list.
mobile phones
OR the child observes the moving toys and, subsequently, will try to reach them with his hands. Some cell phones even have sound and light.
rattles
The child takes the toy in his hand and shakes it. “These are toys that can have an action and a reaction. This is very important at this stage,” explains the neuropsychologist.
bitter
All children go through the so-called oral phase, which is when they begin to explore the world through their mouths. So toys made for them to put in their mouths help. Oh, they shouldn’t have small pieces that can come off, for example. Stay tuned! Not to mention when the gums start to itch, before the teeth come.
Sensory books are also toys that help with development
The booklets that children can touch and experience different sensations also stimulate the tactile part.
activity mats
“It’s very important to leave your baby on the floor because that’s how they’ll develop important skills like rolling over and later crawling,” says Deborah. Bet on activity mats. It can also be an ordinary EVA mat, with toys of interest to the child scattered across it. Could help.
Activity center: toys that help development
When the child is already seated, there are also chairs that are activity centers. Your child sits there, safe, and can use their hands and arms to explore the toys.
shapes to fit
Toys that fit geometric shapes help develop reasoning and motor coordination. This is the case for slightly older children. “If the child sees a piece that doesn’t fit, then he will try to find a way to solve this ‘problem’. This stimulates the question of reasoning”, explains the neuropsychologist.
Walker, no!
Many parents still insist on putting babies in walkers. The recommendation of pediatricians and safety experts is, however, not to use. Besides hindering development, it also increases the chance of accidents. Risk from the list!
Toys that aren’t toys
Anyone who is a father, mother or has already given a toy to a small child knows this. Often the little ones are more interested in the packaging than in the toy itself. It’s normal and very good for development, according to Deborah. “Often, objects such as patchwork, bubble wrap, paper… Everything becomes fun. There are many things that can serve as toys. They are objects that help in development and that do not necessarily have a high cost or need to be purchased. Children really like kneading paper, stepping on boxes, such as egg cartons, all of these also help develop creativity,” she explains. Just keep an eye out that the child does not bring objects to his mouth.
play for free
Naturally, parents want to help encourage their child’s development and abilities. Despite this, it is important to remember that a toy can also be used simply for fun. “Free play is also very important for the child,” guides the neuropsychologist. “Play doesn’t have to be a stimulus all the time. Stimulation is a consequence of play. Leave children free to explore in their own way. In a short time they will be rolling, turning, developing reasoning. More: they will develop this ability to feel good about themselves, so they don’t need to have someone watching or interacting all the time to have fun”, concludes the expert.
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Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
