For now, you are your baby's favorite playmate. Have you ever danced a puppet in front of your baby's face, only to have him grab it and pull it toward his mouth? Or has he ever squealed in anticipation and delight when you creep toward him, saying, "I'm gonna get you!
These interactions help your baby learn about language, social relations, and cause-and-effect. Once babies begin to understand how things in the environment relate to each other and how they taste, smell, feel, and sound, babies are ready for the next stage of development: figuring out how they work.
Toddlers are becoming aware of the function of objects. They like to stack blocks, babble into a toy phone, or drink from a "big kid" cup.
The concept of pretend play starts now. Your little one might tuck a baby doll into bed at night or make "choo choo" noises while pushing a toy train. This lays the groundwork for preschool play, when using the oven timer in a play kitchen or ringing the bell in a pretend fire truck signifies your child's growing understanding that each item serves a purpose. Your toddler also will begin to differentiate colors and shapes. So choose toys that are bright, colorful, and fun for little hands to hold.
By age 2, most toddlers can kick a ball, scribble with a crayon, and build towers four or more blocks tall. By age 3, they can do simple puzzles and pedal a tricycle.
Expect to see a lot of repetition, as that's how little ones master new skills and learn they have some control over the world around them. Babies explore objects with the five senses.
Toddlers start figuring out how they work. Now, as preschoolers, they'll use toys and other objects for their intended purpose, yet also will imagine a world of other possibilities for them. A blanket thrown over a coffee table becomes a secret clubhouse. Modeling clay can be used to make pizza pies that you're asked to "taste.
For a preschooler, the world becomes a magical place without limits — and preschoolers are the masters and creators of it all. Many kids this age think they have magical powers and can battle "monsters" and win, or turn into a princess, fairy, or other whimsical creature. Often, your preschooler will pull you into a fantasy and expect you to play along. It's also during this time that imaginary friends may "appear.
The world is also a stage, so expect to hear lots of "mommy, daddy, watch! The desire to connect with others extends to friends as preschoolers begin to learn the give-and-take of cooperative play and sharing. Pretend play becomes more elaborate. Kids' knowledge of the world is more advanced, so don't be surprised if your preschooler knows exactly how to work electronic gadgets or make electrical toys like a radio-controlled car or a video game work.
Elementary school-age kids are accomplished in ways they never were before. They've grasped an understanding of the world around them and are now moving toward mastering skills that once challenged them, like catching a football or braiding a friend's hair.
This also is the time where talents and interests take hold — a 4-year-old who enjoyed story time may grow to love reading; a 5-year-old who listened to music might want to play piano. Physical abilities, like large and fine motor skills, are being refined. Children learn to ride two-wheel bicycles and glide on skateboards. Arts and crafts become more intricate, and a child might spend hours weaving friendship bracelets or drawing comic strips.
Is this toy or product significant now? Will it hold interest? Will the child be happy using the product? Is the product durable? Will it be something that will last a long time? Children play hard and subject their toys to a lot of wear. Is the product enticing and engaging to the child?
Does it offer an opportunity for fun, to learn, and to think? Will the product help the child expand creativity? With the right products, the child can expand imagination in art, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement, and drama. Will the toy frustrate or challenge the child? Will the child know how to use the product? Or will it be too difficult to use without adult assistance? Does the toy offer something new to learn, to practice, or to try? Does the product match the package and the package match the product?
If the toy does not match ads or packaging, it can be disappointing. Is age-grading clear? Is the item in the store like the product shown in the print media or TV advertisement? Will the toy help nurture childhood? Does the product help the child express emotions, experience concern for others, and practice positive social interaction? Does it provide value to childhood? Or are there any violent, sexist, or other negative aspects to product?
What will the toy teach? Does it help expand positive self-esteem, values, understanding, and cultural awareness?
Does it offer practice in skill building? Does it educate the child about the environment? Can the product be cleaned and reused? If it is not washable, can it be cleaned in a practical way? Sometimes it seems that books have lost their appeal to children and to adults , but this may be simply competition between traditional forms of learning and new electronics that appear compelling. Children need to read from books, hear stories read aloud, and also draw, write creatively, and play with many different kinds of products paper, clay, art supplies, puzzles, blocks, dolls, soft toys like puppets, musical instruments, and many others for optimal learning and for their own enjoyment.
Electronic toys, regardless of how many bells and whistles and gadgetry, should not ever replace the experience of reading a book, enjoying a story, playing with real objects, and creating with their hands, whether finger painting or building a tower of blocks. Too often, electronics take over our attention and we forget to interact with a real person or take the time for conversation. Making the most of playtime Play together with your child - you are the best thing for your child to play, learn and have fun with.
Have a variety of toys but only use a few at once so your child can explore each one. Use household items as well as toys. Try not to stick to just 'boy' or 'girl' toys. Show your child that you are having fun playing with them. Young children differ from others the same age and tend to have short attention spans.
Learn the signs of when it may be time to stop or change your approach. Know when to stop. Over-stimulation can lead to tiredness and sometimes your child may get upset.
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