Toy Choices for Little Ones

Every choice we make for our children is a choice that helps shape them in one way or another. Toy selection is one choice that our parents didn't have to think very hard about, but in this day and age it is a whole different story.

Have you ever noticed that most of the toys today do all the work? A classic example is one my children were given when they were very little. It was an air blower that played music and blew balls through its tube when a button was pushed. All the child had do to was push a button, and the toy responded with flashy music and balls flying everywhere. The child did nothing but passively watch. The toddler has no decisions to make, no effort to put forth, no struggle to contend with. If he learns any type of message (and children are learning something from every experience!) it is that I have to do very little and the world entertains me.

Do you remember when leggos used to be just leggos and dolls were just dolls? Nowadays leggos come in sets with only one option for putting them together and many baby dolls do so many actions on their own there is nothing left for the child to do but watch it. Where is the creativity, the make believe, the decision-making on the part of the child?

In considering which toys to buy your little one ask yourself this question: Who is doing the "work" of play--the toy or the child?

Wonderful toys that are brain-development compatible for children allow the child to make the decisions about how to play with them. Some examples are building blocks, leggos (not leggo sets), dolls, trains, play dough, puppets, stuffed animals, blank paper, paints, and crayons, and jigsaw puzzles.

Most cities have privately owned toy stores that specialize in "kid-centered" toys. "Kazoodles" in Vancouver, Washington is a great one, and "Child's Play" on NW 23rd is another that's even larger. Another benefit of shopping in these types of stores is that you will not find television characters on every toy, which encourage children to get attached to some character so that your child begs you to watch that character on TV. The peace of mind you'll feel in knowing those toys encourage your child's own thinking is worth the extra money, and by supporting such stores you are supporting those values.

Often parents feel a pressure to keep their little ones entertained. Actually, when allowed free time and space to play independently and toys that spark creativity and wonder, children entertain themsleves in ways that help them grow into healthy thinkers and decision-makers.

For more information on this topic, read The Case for Make Believe by Susan Linn.