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Today's parents are faced with aisles upon aisles of toys for their children. Whole stores are devoted to the specialty of toys. It is fun to see a child's eyes light up when in a toy store and wander through the aisles wanting just about everything. It is no wonder parents can be confused about what toys are actually safe and beneficial for the children. Commercials are no help either. The commercials are designed to entice children so they will plead with their parents to buy them the latest favorite toy du jour. There are a few toys that are perfect for all age groups though there are variances in the specific toy depending on the age and development of the child.
10.Electronic Toys
Electronic toys are appropriate for all ages. This does not mean to stick a child in front of a television or video game for eight hours on end. However, there are some great educational electronic toys for children of all ages. Electronic toys should be used in moderation and with supervision to be sure they are not misused. For younger children, alphabet games, spelling games and mathematical games can be helpful. Older children may enjoy story telling, computer programs with educational themes and skill games.
9.Bicycles
Bicycles offer a fun way to enjoy the outdoors and to get exercise. They will also help with strength and reflexes as well as motor skills. Bicycles can be dangerous if proper safety procedures are not followed so be sure to don your child in knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet. Make sure the bike is the correct height and skill level for the child. Older children can, of course, have bigger bicycles while younger children can use tricycles or bikes with training wheels. Younger children should be supervised at all times and only ride in places that are safe and free from larger motor vehicles. Older children should know the rules of the road and practice safe bicycling.
8.Music CD's
Music CD's that are appropriate for the age of the child are great for learning rhymes, vocabulary an singing. They can soothe a tired baby to sleep or help energize and uplift the spirits of a child. Music can stimulate the imagination and lead to little skits, dancing and imaginative play.
7.Cars, Trucks and Trains
Mobile toys can really spark the imagination. Children can create cities and roads and zoom through their room with their cars and trucks. Trains and train tracks can be very creative and also enhance motor skills as they are fitted together in imaginative ways. As children get older, they still like to play with these things but the toys get a bit more sophisticated. Older children might enjoy remote control cars or speedways. Electric trains can be a great hobby as well.
6.Board and Card Games
Board and card games will help a child develop cognitive skills and will help them with patience, taking turns and competition etiquette. It is also a great way for parents to engage their child in play because a lot of games are fun for the entire family. Look at the age levels on games and make sure the game is not too advanced for the child. There are games that will suit every age from baby through teenager.
5.Stuffed Animals, Action Figures and Dolls
Stuffed animals, action figures and dolls will get the creative juices flowing. They also often provide comfort to smaller children who enjoy pretending and cuddling with their inanimate friends. Parents can play with their children and children can use their imagination to play dress up, house and interact with their toys.
4.Blocks
Blocks and similar building materials will help children develop their imagination as well as fine motor skills. The size and complexity of the blocks will vary with the age of the child. For smaller children larger blocks or connecting blocks that are easy to fit together and harder topple are best. As a child grows, the toys can become more complex so they have to thing and analyze the position of them. Older children can get elaborate erector sets with moving parts and flashing lights to build intricate cities and fantasy scenes. Be careful, though, to only get items that are age appropriate because smaller parts not intended for babies can pose a choking hazard.
3.Art Supplies
What parent doesn't enjoy hanging their child's latest masterpiece on the refrigerator? Art supplies come in a variety of mediums and there are plenty to suit every age group. This is a great way to hone fine motor skills and creativity. Paint, crayons, markers, clay, chalk and craft supplies can be purchased for children of any age. The older the child, the more complex the supplies can be.
2.Puzzles
Puzzles will help a child's cognitive skills as well as motor skills. It is also a great activity for parents to get involved with. As children grow, the number of pieces can get larger and the pieces smaller and more difficult to assemble.
1.Books
The best and safest toy around by far is a book. Books will serve a child well from infant through adult hood. Infants and toddlers can be read to by parents or an older sibling and enjoy books that have tactile images. Older children who are learning to read can read to parents simple books with good stories. Older children can have reading time by themselves with their favorite age appropriate stories and novels.
Parents worry about making sure that children have toys that will stimulate, educate and allow them to have fun. Parents should not get overly stressed over toy buying decisions. You are not going to stunt the child's development by letting them have the newest fad every once in awhile but balance is the key and choosing a few items from the top ten safest and best toys will help ensure you have a well rounded supply of suitable toys. |
| Author: Sheryl Walters |
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Author Bio:
Looking for kauai vacation rentals? We specialize in affordable Hawaii vacation packages on every island. Book your vacation today! |
| This article can be searched using: single parenting, parenting advice, parenting information, teen parenting, parenting tips |
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