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Let children play
Playtime for children can
be turned into an activity
that's fun and educational
Play is the work of children, according to Stevanne Auerbach, more commonly known as "Dr. Toy," who says: "Adults need to take play seriously. They have to respect the child at play."
Instead, adults seem to look at play as nonproductive, idle activity, placing more emphasis on school, athletics and other extracurricular activities that keep youngsters busy and feeling stressed. Children are not given enough opportunity to simply have fun.
"Learning should be fun," she said. "When learning stops being fun, kids get bored, restless, get to be discipline problems, turned off and just not interested. They may do OK on a test, but they aren't learning anything."
For the youngest, fun begins with toys, and choosing toys for kids at Christmas -- or any time -- takes careful consideration. Toys reflect society, culture, family traditions, history, innovations and observations, according to Auerbach, who is also director of the Institute of Childhood Resources. She was visiting Honolulu recently to participate in the New Baby Expo.
Toys can be considered learning devices. Time, counting, numbers and the alphabet are just a few of the things that can be learned from toys. Letter magnets on the fridge create a fun setting for learning how to spell new words. "My 8-year-old grandson still likes it," Auerbach said. Parents can be creative in inventing games, such as coming up with a "word for today." Magnetic words used to form poems are another option.
The Light 'N Strike Math toy, above, and Nano Mega Bloks, below, which help develop motor skills and problem solving are two toys that meet Auerbach's approval. They're available at stores such as Thinker Toys.
Creative toys stimulate the mind and imagination. Examples of creative toys are blocks, crafts, instruments, puppets and art supplies -- just about anything that encourages self-expression.
An educational toy helps a child learn specific skills. Any item that promotes reading, writing or the learning of a specific skill falls in this category. Board games, checkers, puzzles and science projects make learning fun.
In addition, always check packaging for age appropriateness, safety information, durability and good design, she said. And look for toys the whole family can enjoy.
"The most important thing that parents can do is to play with their children," Auerbach said. Play lets children make noise and express themselves. In school they have to be quiet and good all the time. Play creates important balance for children and adults, she explained. After all, "you are your child's first big toy," she said, reminding that toys are not just for children, but for adults, too, because everyone needs to laugh and de-stress.
"It can be a slinky, a yo-yo, a kaleidoscope," she said, recommending that adults put a toy on their desk at work. "When you feel stressed out, you can play with it."
If you don't know where to start, she suggests getting a teddy bear, doll or something you always wanted as a child and didn't get -- "something that will delight you."
WHEN SHOPPING for toys this Christmas, think about what your child likes to do, what he or she is ready for and what toy, product or activity would challenge him and help expand his skills.
You don't want to introduce something before the child is ready and don't want him or her to be bored, Auerbach said.
First toys should be colorful, be easy to wash, stimulate the child's mind and help them develop coordination and observational skills. There are a lot of things you can do with babies that don't require a purchase. You can hide keys or other objects, play peekaboo games or create sock puppets, she said.
"It doesn't take a lot of money to have fun. You can have fun with a cardboard box," she said, noting that she built cardboard dollhouses as a girl.
Telephones are wonderful, she added. They can build communication skills. An old house or cell phone can even be used. Pretend play is great to have at home, she added. Toy groceries, money and a cash register can be used to create a store for building math skills through counting up money and giving change. A cardboard box can serve as the grocery store counter.
As for the lasting effects of play, just think back to your own childhood. Adults always remember the toys and games they played with as a child, Auerbach said. Twenty to 30 years later, they can still recall the special items. "What you give your child to play with is going to build in memories for the future. Do you want him to remember video games or what he built with an erector set?"
If you want to get kids away from video games, give them a chance to learn how to play poker, she said. "Poker is suddenly the hot new teenage thing. ... They will learn math, probability, learn how to finesse and how to engage with other people."
Board games also teach communication skills. And Auerbach said the most techno-savvy kids can still have fun with classic toys. "Bring back the yo-yo, bring back the hula hoop, the jump rope," she said.
"You don't need to buy everything a child wants. Buy one thing they really want. That way, they will learn to be skillful consumers. It's really good to give kids choices."
If you're strapped for ideas, Dr. Toy suggests visiting stores such as Thinker Toys, where video games are not an option.
To keep things appealing, store half a child's toy collection, label them and alternate them once in a while. Watch to see what the kids are not playing with. "If they have too many toys, they are overloaded and won't play. It's fun if you bring out something that is interesting."
Tips on purchasing toys
Dr. Toy provided the following questions to consider when purchasing new products:
1. Is the product appropriate now? Does the product fit the child's age, skills and abilities? Will it hold the child's interests? 2. Is the toy or product well designed? Is it safe? Are there any potential hazards such as sharp edges, parts that can be swallowed or loose ties? Is it nontoxic? Does it meet Consumer Product Safety Standards? How durable is it? Will it take rough treatment? Is there a guarantee on the product? 3. Is the toy or product appealing? Is it something the child will enjoy using for a long time? Does it have long-lasting play value? Does it have versatility? 4. Does the toy offer an opportunity to stimulate creativity? The right products in arts, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement and drama can help to expand the child's imagination, thinking and comprehension. 5. Does the toy match the package and the package match the toy? If the toy does not match ads or package, it can be disappointing. Is age grading clear? 6. Will the product teach? Does it help expand positive self-esteem, values, understanding, cultural awareness, communication or motor skills? Does it expand understanding of the environment, the community and world? Does it teach computer skills? 7. Is the toy affordable? Does the price match the value received? 8. Will the product frustrate or challenge the child? Will it be too difficult for the child to use? 9. Does the product help the child express emotions, experience care and concern for others or practice positive social interaction, or is there violence, sexism or a negative aspect to the product? 10. Is the toy fun? Will the child enjoy using the product? Will it make him or her laugh? Play is, after all, a time to have fun.
Courtesy of www.drtoy.com
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