When kids are at home, it can often be a challenge to keep them engaged with activities that are fun, safe, and affordable. In addition to playing in a park or yard, drawing with paints and crayons, or electronic devices, many parents choose a variety of toys for their little ones. But not all toys have a positive impact on children's development.
Dr. Aliza Pressman, a developmental psychologist, says she understands the challenge of parents trying to engage their children in activities that help them grow and develop mentally.
Recently, she shared with her followers an activity that she describes as "fun and educational," emphasizing that it helps develop motor skills, promotes problem-solving, and improves emotional self-regulation.
But before talking about the toys he recommends, Dr. Pressman shared a clear warning: which toys parents and grandparents should avoid – and why they can have a negative impact on children.
Toys to avoid
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“Avoid overly stimulating electronic toys, which can harm a child's creativity,” warns Dr. Pressman.
She adds: “Parents and grandparents should look for toys that support development through play, games that engage the imagination and require problem-solving. Toys that stimulate the senses and imagination are the ones worth putting in the shopping cart.”
When we talk about overly stimulating electronic toys, psychologists mean robots, cars, or other objects. We are talking about dolls that “talk”, vehicles that imitate car noises and have lights, or other toys without any active involvement from the child. Likewise, toys with many buttons that only provide sounds or visual effects, robots that move automatically, or tablets should not be the right or only choice for children.
In conclusion, there are some toys that experts advise avoiding and others that they strongly recommend.
“Sensory toys, age-appropriate puzzles, building blocks, battery-free toys, and anything that involves imaginative play or problem-solving are among the best for the developing brain,” Dr. Pressman emphasizes.
Also, a good and inexpensive option is plasticine. With it, children can create different shapes, based on their creativity and imagination, and they don't spend time with electronic devices, which are considered "enemies" of their development.
Source: Parade
