Toys for Every Age

Many people think differently when they shop for toys for their kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, or a friends child. Some might buy blocks, balls, trucks, etc. Most people never think about the appropriate toys for the ages of the children. In this article, I will tell you about some age appropriate "smart" toys for every age.

Babies

• Mobiles- These stimulate vision and head movement. The crib mobiles can also stimulate and develop attention span.
• Ring Stacks- Babies learn about sizes, shapes, colors, and numbers with these. 
• Mirrors- Babies become aware of themselves and develop self recognition.
• Push-Pull toys- This helps with balance, large muscle strength, walking, and gets them ready to explore the world later in life.

Toddlers

• Balls-Encourages hand-eye coordination, gross motor skills and dexterity.
• Shape sorting toys-Encourages problem solving skills. 
• Mechanical Toys-Busy toys with knobs, handles and buttons encourages hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, problem solving and cause and effect.
• Role Play toys- Encourages pretend play, and helps express social and emotional development by expressing emotions to do something.

Preschoolers

• Arts and Crafts-Encourages creativity and self esteem
• Blocks and construction sets-Encourages problem solving skills and hand eye coordination. Helps use their imagination and build self esteem
• Puzzles-Helps with coordination, dexterity, spatial relationships, and logical thinking
• Pretend Play-Identify gender specific rolls as boys dress up as cops or firefighters while girls dress up as nurses or princesses. 

Big Kids

• Jump Rope-Kids learn how to get along with others and take turns. Encourages problem solving and large motor skills.
• Card and board games-Encourages strategy, taking turns, rules, and fair play. Good sportsmanship skills
• Musical instruments- Helps build attention skills, builds fine motor skills and encourages listening.
• Science Toys-Promote discovery, problem solving, improves math skills, and science skills and develops imagination

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Too Much T.V

Children under 2 should not have a "favorite show" because children under 2 should not watch any kind of television. Under the age of 2 is considered the most important time for brain development. This is the time when children need to interact with parents, siblings, play and explore and this determines whether or not the child will develop good physical activities, social development, healthy habits and whether or not the child will be behind academically or socially.

If all a child does is sit and watch television then they will not have any interaction and this will threaten their developmental status. In moderation, T.V. can be a good entertainer and educator. Children who spend more than 2 hours a day watching television are more likely overweight, show aggressive behavior, always afraid and can promote bad behavior.

If you are going to allow your children to watch television, screen the T.V. make sure you monitor what they watch and make sure you are not using the television as an escape for the kids to sit in front of while you do your things!

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