Pediatrician-Approved Toys
March 8, 2007 by Lei
Filed under Children's Toys
Play Library is filled with toys and for the most part, Kerri and I emphasize fun. Of course we’re interested in making sure our children get the education they need, but it’s not necessary for them to be constantly stimulated. Not all parents think the same, though.
While pediatricians emphasize imagination and learning through play, toy manufacturers emphasize achievement. But Professor Kathleen Kiely Gouley at New York University Child Study Center prefers pots and pans over “enriched” toys:
The claims that a toy can boost your child’s IQ or enhance development — these claims do seem to be proliferating. I remind myself that I create educational opportunities and facilitate learning in every interaction.
Among the tips Barbara Meltz gives in The Boston Globe for selecting toys, she recommends toy blocks. I think an even more important recommendation is time. Not just time for parents and children to play together, but time for children to run around and do whatever they want without an agenda or time limit. You might think it’s not constructive, but time gives children freedom to develop neuronal connections all on their own.
How else would my son be able to fill notebooks full intricate drawings. The unique product of his brain and his alone?
Click for a larger image.
Tags: toys, pediatricians, children, kids, parenting, family
That is a fantastic drawing! I’m very impressed.
I agree unstructured time seems to be what they need most in todays world!
I’m a consultant for Discovery Toys and one of their mottos is “play in a child’s work” They learn through play. It is fun to see what they can come up with. Their imaginations are wonderful!
Kerri: Thanks! But you really can’t say otherwise, can you?
Stephanie: Agreed! It’s in those moments of quiet that I can see what my son is really capable of. Most times good, sometimes…. hahaa
No, I couldn’t say otherwise, but I could just not say anything.
No matter how “educational” we think counting games, alphabet toys, and toy blocks improve a childs skills. We strongly feel that without caregiver (parent, teacher, therapist) guidance, the value of a toys ability to help kids grow is stunted. Many children have great imaginations and can make a game out of a new toy. However, televsion and hand held electronic games take the caregiver/child interaction away. We also agree that unstructured play is vital as a way for children to discover activities that excite them. Building blocks develop our future engineers, arts and crafts develop the next American Idol and Dakota Fannings’. There is no correct answer, there’s a time for directed play, free play, and chill time. Kids simply need guidance.
Sometimes just paper and crayons are all that they need. Going back to the basics is good for them!
Here from the Carnival of Family Life.
I cringe as I see friends who schedule every moment of their chidrens’ days and insist on only the most sophisticated educational toys. A box of crayons, Dad’s old hat, an empty box … leave a child alone with them and watch them create and imagine!
Wonderful post for the Carnival of Family Life!
Ed: Thanks for great insightful comment!
kailani: I agree! And get good quality paper, crayons, pens, and pencils. It really does make a difference.
skeet: Thanks! I agree with you. I love buying toys but sometimes I stop myself because I see that he has just as much fun with a simple rope; imagining it to be anything and everything.