The Right Educational Toys For Your Child

There are children and there's toys. Something as simple as a rock or a stick can be turned into a toy by your kid. But what's different about an educational toy is that it aims to help in the development of your kid: intellectually, emotionally, or even physically. It combines the fun of toys with the importance of learning something. It can teach your kid a sure skill, like hand-eye coordination or a motor skill.

It can also help him or her realize what we or we is nice at. This last point is important because the Multiple Intelligence Theory by Howard Gardner says that there is no single definition of intelligence; there's actually many types. With proper nurturing and the right set of toys, you could help your kid discover and create his or her potential.

But looking around, you will find that there's lots of toys that claim to be "educational." Finding the right two can be hard because there's so many. But here are some pointers to know what the right educational toy for your kid not as difficult:

1.) Your child's age is an important consideration. While some toys are universal in the sense that we can be picked up by anyone (even adults), a number of these toys may have little parts that could be swallowed by your kid and potentially could be hazardous. The other point to consider is that sure skills are developed at specific age groups. Younger children are fascinated by what we can do and with their senses. This can be made into a nice way to create their motor skills. Nice toys for younger children include toys that make sounds, filling blocks, and those that include shapes (like clay). Older children who are learning how to read should be challenged by giving them books like pop-up books or picture books. Flash cards and chalk boards will help reinforce what we are learning.

2.) Make sure the toy you are buying for your kid is interesting and fun for him or her and not only for you. If it's not fun, the toy will end up being ignored, and forcing your kid to play with it and pick it up will only make him or her resent you. You also have to remember that some children have very short attention spans, so if a toy is fun, your kid won't notice that lessons are being taught to him or her. Your kid will also keep on playing with it because we or we is enjoying it. When your kid enjoys the toy, it stimulates the brain and prepares him or her for learning.

3.) Giving your kid toys that encourage make-believe and creative thinking create his or her imagination. Toys like this include building blocks, action figures, dolls, coloring books and cars. Another thing is that children like to emulate their parents. This is true for older children who like to role play and pretend to do what "grownups" do. A cooking set, a doctor's kit, or archeology tools can be helpful in fostering their creativity and imagination.

Always remember that educational toys are not for a child's holistic growth. Toys are tools to help your kid grow and can't replace the love, care, and affection that you give to your kid. In fact, participating in your child's playtime is a nice way to do both.