Family Guide and Parenting Tips

Toys are meant to be fun, but should also challenge the mind of your child. Children learn through play, and should be provided with items that will challenge them both mentally, as well as physically. Consider the following options based on the age of your children.

Items that offer stimulating visual appeal are perfect for ages newborn through twelve months. These items should be safe and colorful. During this time, motor skills will be developing, so each toy should be designed to help foster their ability to hold and manipulate objects.

Once your child turns a year old, they will be able to make use of a toy that has buttons and other controls. It is at this time when brain development is quite strong. It is also at this age that they start to begin to use their imagination.

From two years on, children will develop preferences and specific likes and dislikes. They often will become focused on certain items that they are interested in, such as trains, dinosaurs, or dolls. Though they may request only toys that are focused on their likes, consider purchasing them a wide variety of items so they they will be well rounded.

Toys can serve a very real purpose, and are now being created in exiting ways that work to challenge your child and help them learn. By choosing items that are both educational and fun, you child will be equipped with everything he or she needs.