| Toys that are limited in their scope for play will | | | | - Outdoor play can be encouraged by providing |
| only hold the child's attention for a short time, | | | | simple props. The backyard can become a jungle |
| before the child wants to move on to another | | | | with a few toy animals, or a racing circuit with |
| toy. But toys which allow children to use their | | | | some little cars. Ball games will help develop large |
| own imagination and interests to create a variety | | | | muscle skills, as will skipping, running and climbing. If |
| of games, will hold their attention and help to | | | | you are planning to buy climbing equipment, invest |
| develop self-reliance and self-discipline. | | | | in a few pieces that can be moved around to |
| So when shopping for toys this Christmas, ask | | | | change the experience. Ride-on toys are great |
| yourself these questions: "What can my child do | | | | fun too. |
| with this toy or game? Is it flexible in its play | | | | - Dress-ups are always popular with girls and |
| opportunities or does it squash the imagination?" | | | | boys, and can lead to the most wonderful |
| Many battery-operated toys are "one - minute | | | | pretend play that gives children the chance to be |
| wonders" that only do one thing and so are | | | | whoever they want to be. Of course, dress-ups |
| quickly discarded for something else. Many fashion | | | | don't have to cost much - they may be clothes |
| toys are sending messages to our children by | | | | you no longer want to wear, opportunity shop |
| their appearance - for example, Barbie dolls, who | | | | finds or even just pieces of fabric. Don't forget |
| even have words on their clothing! If these are | | | | the hats, bags, ties and jewellery! |
| not the messages you want your child to receive, | | | | - Creative play involving chalk, pencils, paint, paper, |
| resist the advertising pressure and choose | | | | scissors and paste opens up endless possibilities |
| something that resonates with your family's | | | | for a child to make, re-make, test and try out |
| values. | | | | new skills and ideas, problem-solve and express |
| Since play is instrumental in young children's | | | | his or her emotions. Small muscle and literacy skills |
| learning, choosing Christmas presents for children | | | | are developed, as well as hand-to-eye |
| wisely will pay off in the long term for you, your | | | | coordination. |
| child and your wallet! | | | | - Construction toys are a great way to promote |
| Consider the following: | | | | an awareness of space. The concepts of number, |
| - Puppets and dolls that can "be anyone", | | | | shape, size and colour can be learned through |
| according to a child's imagination, will promote rich, | | | | building with blocks, doing jigsaw puzzles and with |
| engaging play and conversation. This pretend play | | | | posting boxes. |
| allows children to experience roles different from | | | | - Music is a relaxing, stress-free experience and |
| the ones they have in real life. | | | | can be used for children of all ages. It can be |
| - Tactile activities, like play-dough, clay, sand and | | | | comforting for a sad child or help with body |
| water play are important for small muscle | | | | awareness through dance. Songs contribute to |
| development and great opportunities for | | | | the early learning of language. And children can |
| expressing emotions. Many boys prefer hands-on, | | | | make their own music with just about anything! |
| active play. | | | | - Books are, of course, vital in the lives of children. |
| - Card and board games are valuable learning | | | | Whether a toddler is looking at the pictures in a |
| tools as children develop skills in taking turns, | | | | board-book, or you are reading a story to your |
| sharing and understanding rules. Keep the games | | | | "preppie", or your ten-year-old is working her way |
| simple for younger children, and play with your | | | | through the "Harry Potter" series, the power of |
| children to show them that you enjoy spending | | | | language is immense. The amount of fun and the |
| time with them and that you value play. Group | | | | benefits of play for children are not necessarily |
| games are also helpful for language development | | | | proportional to the cost of the toys. In fact, quite |
| and learning about negotiation. | | | | the opposite is often true. |