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Kids'
Toys. Think Before You Buy.
by Sherry
Frewerd
There is a chore in my home that brings out the procrastinator in
me. This particular chore is so big and so difficult, that I create
new tasks just to avoid starting the dreaded job. What could be
so bad: My toddler's bedroom Ð a.k.a. fighting the battle of 'too
many toys!'
The problem doesn't arrive from a lack of organization or space
to put things, but from just too many toys in the first place. His
room, when tidy, looks like a little toy store gone mad. My husband
built custom shelving just for the toys and books, with varying
shelf sizes to accommodate different types of toys and sizes of
books. However, when I take a close look at the contents, it's obvious
that there's lots of 'stuff', but little thought went into most
of it.
How should you select and organize your child's toys? Choosing quality
kids' toys, selected by their developmental stage and abilities,
is the first step. Most toys have a recommended age on the package
to let you know the appropriate age group. Take cues from your own
child to guide you in whether he is ready for a certain toy.
Make sure that the toys you're buying actually ÒdoÓ what they are
supposed to. If puzzle pieces aren't cut correctly, your child will
get angry and frustrated when they play with it. I've recently made
the mistake of buying a puzzle that was supposed to be appropriate
for ages 18 months to 3 years, only to find that the pieces were
very difficult to place, and my son became upset every time he played
with the puzzle.
Some suggestions for Toddler and Preschool Toys
¥ Puppets
¥ Activity tables/centers
¥ Sorting boxes
¥ Snap together Blocks Ð Leggos
¥ Puzzles Ð up to 5 wooden pieces
¥ Figures for dollhouse, farm, etc.
¥ Dress up clothes
¥ Trucks and wagons to haul things
¥ Housekeeping and shopping toys
¥ Sewing cards
¥ Buttoning, zipping, snapping dolls or boards
¥ Preschool age games like Memory and Candy land etc.
Most importantly, choose toys that stimulate your child's mind and
that create learning experiences. Provide an adequate amount of
toys for your child. Don't do as I have and overwhelm your child
with too much 'stuff' causing both of you to become frustrated.
As we all know, most little kids have a more fun playing with the
box the toy came in while the new toy sits idly on the floor. Now
it's time for me to stop procrastinating and fight the battle of
'too many toys.'
About the author: Sherry Frewerd is a WAHM to three and is a licensed
child care provider. Visit her website 'Family Play and Learn' for
fun and creative activities and resources for your Toddler and Preschool
age child. http://familyplayandlearn.com
Article Source: www.ladypens.com
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