How Appropriate is Your Child's Toy?

Remember back when our parents were never concerned with buying us toys? Not that they weren't any in the shops. No, it's because we made them! Boys made toys cars using tins and old wires, and footballs using nylon paper and sisal. The girls would pick used containers and sticks and try to imitate their mothers in the kitchen, while old sweaters would end up making a woolen version of the modern day Barbie doll.

That was then. Today, you have to add a toy into your shopping trolley every time you are at the supermarket. There are even shops that exclusively deal in children's toys and the price tags on the toys indicate how lucrative the business has become. Over the years, toys have evolved from the clay-made kind to today's high-tech computerized varieties that are too technical for some parents. Today's toys seem to be designed to serve entertainment, education, creativity and technological purposes, with some having violence as a main theme. Some video games are even too frightening for parents.

It is therefore important for a parent to buy the right toy for their child. The appropriateness of a toy is determined by factors such as child's age, gender and safety requirement. You should also take into consideration what educational, physical, creative and imaginative opportunities the toy will provide to the child.

Choosing an appropriate toy for your child begins with observation. Take time to watch your child closely to know what activities he/she prefers to engage in and what skills he/she takes interest in. Does your child often have a desire to pick up a pen and scribble on something? He/she probably would like a set of colored pencils or crayons and a large scribbling pad, which is a good start to learning art.

Before buying a toy, always ask yourself, other than having fun, what will your child learn from playing with it? Don't let your child's requests be the sole factor in determining what toy to buy.

Secondly, once you have bought an appropriate toy, don't just give it to your child saying, "Here, I bought you a toy. Go play with it". Instead, introduce the toy to the child by playing together. You could even first hide the toy, then tell your child about it and together play a game of 'finding' it. This develops the child's curiosity and interest in the toy. After finding it, settle down together and play. Help him play that little piano or help her comb the dolls hair. Do this from time to time.

Thirdly, do not just focus on indoor toys. Outside play should also be considered when choosing a toy for your child, keeping in mind the rising numbers of obese children. Wheeled toys such as bicycles, scooters and skates are examples of preferable outdoor toys. Swing sets, slides and climbing frames are good for your child's physique.

Here are guidelines for choosing appropriate toys:

Infants: Teddy bears, bath toys, soft dolls, squeaky toys (e.g. squeaky shoes).
Age 1-3: Books, balls, blocks, pounding toys
Age 5-9: Craft materials, jump ropes, puppets, books and battery operated toys for age 8 and above.
Age 9-14: Computers, table and board games, sports equipment (e.g. skates) with protective gear.

When buying toys, remember to check the following features:

Hygiene: Buy washable, easy to clean toys. Clean toys regularly as they may harbor germs especially when they are shared.
Make up: Ensure that the toys are nontoxic and are fire resistant. Plastic wrappers should e discarded immediately to prevent suffocation.
Safety: Always purchase safety equipment when purchasing a toy. A helmet should accompany a bike.
Ample space: Provide adequate space for outdoor and indoor games and pick up toys that are not being used.
Damage control: Regularly check toys for breakages.
Right size: Do not buy a toy that is too big for your child. Ad sporting equipment must not be given to children as toys.
Storage: Have a safe, reachable place to keep toys. Those that require adult supervision should be locked away.
Read instructions: Always read the manufacturers instructions for information on how to use, age appropriateness and chemical makeup.