Choosing the Right Toy for Your Child

Children need toys just as adults needs tools for their particular jobs because play is often described as the work of children. Even children who lack commercially produced toys will find playthings such as fingers and toes, pots and pans, and hills and trees. The national average for the number of toys a child receives during a gift giving occasion is about 12. Most children are satisfied with 3 or 4 new toys. If a child receives too many new toys at once, he may become overwhelmed in deciding what toy to play with. To eliminate some of the frustrations of too many toys, select toys with the child's needs and interests in mind. A well-balanced selection of toys is needed for the child's total development. The selection might include:

• Toys for physical development like push and pull toys for younger children and wagons, sleds, and swings for older children.

• Toys to develop sensory skills through play with a variety of materials. Water, sand, pots and pans are all possible examples. Anything that can be SAFELY touched, tasted, smelled, looked at, or listened to would be helpful in developing sensory skills.

• Toys for make-believe and developing social skills might include dolls, play cars, trucks, and accompanying play sets. These toys don't need to be expensive. Many simple household items like clothing or discarded kitchen materials make great play "props." Children can use their imaginations and empty boxes become many interesting playthings.