Finding the Right Toy for Your Child Can be Difficult - By: Felicity Lightbody

When it comes to catching a child's attention, toy companies are pros. Just the right colors and sparkle on a toy will have any child begging to carry that eye catching toy home. Everything, from the packaging down to the gadgets on the toy itself, has been designed to attract the targeted clientele. How do you decide which toy deserves the honor of making the journey to your home, and which toy should stay on the shelf? Here are some tips that might make that decision just a little easier on your next visit to the toy isle.

The toy needs to hold the child's interest. The last thing a parent wants is for the new toy to be laid aside and replaced by an older toy soon after arrival home. It needs to be versatile. The parent needs to decide if the child can interact or play with it in a variety of ways. For example, does the electronic toy have only one feature or does it have a selection of games, songs, etc.

When choosing new toys to promote childhood development, try to select toys that challenge the child. Keep in mind the child's age and current developmental stage. The child needs to be strongly challenged, but the toy does not need to be so advanced that it frustrates the child. If the child becomes frustrated, the toy will lose its appeal and will be cast aside.

Sensory exploration is the natural way for young children to learn. A parent only has to watch an infant for a few minutes to discover this. An infant first sees the toy, then touches the toy, then straight to the mouth it goes for that all important taste. A young child explores their world in much the same manner. A child uses sight, sound, touch, and even smell to assimilate the world around them. So when choosing that next new toy, make sure it has the color, the lights, the sound, and the texture to capture your child's attention? Toys need to inspire the child's sense of exploration. After all, it is that sense of discovery that will make the child return again and again to the toy.

There is still something to be said for just plain old imagination. Imagination strongly encourages mental development. A inexpensive container of building blocks can entertain for hours. A child can build a tower, a building, a bridge, etc. Combine the blocks with an old fashion, push around, toy truck and the fun is really starting. Old-fashion ride on toys give a child exercise and allows for the imagination to have total freedom. Children can be driving around town, on their way to the moon, or on the race track. The destination is theirs.

When toy shopping, keep the child's developmental stage in mind. The toy needs to inspire and encourage, but it does not need to frustrate. Keep an open mind to electronic toys and the tried and true toys of the past.

About the Author

Felicity is a part-time columnist, writing occassional articles in the UK. The complete range of wheely bugs Ride On Toys as well as kids learning toys are available with free delivery at Designer Ark. For more information please visit the designerark.co.uk website.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Felicity-Lightbody/39388

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