How to Find Age Appropriate Toys for Children

Fond memories of childhood usually bring to mind aalso laid at this time. Preschool children learn by doing.
favorite toy. A cuddly doll, colorful crayons, or a specialThey are busy developing new skills. They like drawing,
wagon are all childhood favorites. Toys bring a greatpainting, and building. They also spend a great deal of
deal of joy to children, but they also can be valuabletime pretending. Dress-up clothes, pretend play and
learning tools. Exploring, pretending, and sharing are justpuppets are big favorites. Preschoolers are energetic
a few of the important skills children develop whileand active. They need large balls to roll and throw,
they play. Toys don't have to be expensive.wagons to pull, and tricycles to ride.
Cardboard boxes in the backyard and measuring cupsSchool-age Children - At this stage child learn about
in the bathtub are favorite standards. But parents whogetting along with others, and about the adult world of
do wish to purchase toys may find it helpful to knowsports, games and careers. They develop intellectual
what toys to choose and which to avoid for childrenand social interests and make strong friendships, likes
of different ages.and dislikes. School-age children feel more grown-up
Infants and Toddlers - Every child is unique, has itsand love activities that lead to "real products" such as
specific pattern of development and has differentjewelry, "designer" T-shirts, or stamp collections. They
ways of cruising through the milestones of physical,also develop a keen interest in sports and enjoy
mental and social development. Infants and toddlershaving adult-like physical equipment such as softball
learn about the world through their senses. They aregloves, tennis rackets, or skates. They have a better
interested in the sight, sound, smell, texture, and tasteunderstanding of rules and enjoy playing with others.
of things. Objects or toys that can be squeezed,Board games, cards, or dominoes teach math
dropped, poked, twisted, or thrown are sure to causeconcepts and problem-solving skills.
delight. Toddlers also enjoy any item that can beThe age of your child and not the activity level, is a
stacked, poured, opened, closed, pushed, or pulled.primary factor in selecting an appropriate educational
Toys are vital for the physical and mentallearning toys. Toys should not promote a single thought
development of your infant baby. The toys have aor concept; instead, they should enhance creativity and
significant bearing on your infant's personality, thereforethinking skills. Toys and games are also important for
must be carefully selected.the child to learn and practice logical and
Preschoolers - During these years, children use theirproblem-solving. Toys that can be played in a number
imagination to imitate adult activity and participateof ways serve as great educational tools and endorse
actively in physical games. Their physical coordinationcomprehensive development of your child.
develops, and the foundation of printing and writing is