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Researchers have found that toys that contribute to healthy development in children are the opposite of trendy and expensive toys. The American Association of Pediatricians (AAP) released a report on the best toys for child development.
They claim that the best toys go back to basics, while the shelves are full of flickering lights, sounds and moving images, according to the researchers the best toys are simple such as blocks, dolls, games and balls.
“Toys have come a long way in recent years and advertising can give the impression that virtual or digital toys are more educational,” said Aleey Healey, lead researcher on the study. “Research shows that the best toys do not have to be flashy, expensive or with an app. In this case, simple is really better.”
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When children are young they need toys that teach them to be social and that encourage them to form relationships with others. They also need toys that help them develop their language, social skills and problem-solving skills. Simple toys such as blocks or a racket and a ball encourage the above, while screens and digital toys isolate children and make them less active.
“The best toys support parents and children in play, imagination and interactions together,” said co-researcher Alan Mendelsohn. “You just don’t get the same reward from a tablet or screen and when children play with parents, something special happens whether they are playing with the blocks or doing puzzles together.”
This report highlights that even expensive, high-tech toys advertised as educational are not as good as simple toys that encourage communication and relationships with parents, caregivers and other children.
“The more we know about early brain development, the better we understand that the need to play is based on human contact,” said Dr. Healey, “There is no screen, video game or app that can replace the relationship that is created.” built up when children play with regular toys.”
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This research also provides specific tips for parents who want to buy toys for their children. It recommends avoiding overstimulating toys, toys that stereotype race or gender, and toys that do not encourage human interaction. Instead, parents should look for toys that stimulate creativity and imagination. Examples include: dolls and action figures, cooking or food toys, toy cars, blocks, puzzles, trains, craft supplies, card games, board games, toy letters, bicycles and balls.
Examples of modern toys that do not benefit development: tablets, screens, electronic games, telephones, laptops, toys with lights and sounds and toys that replace human interaction, such as a bear reading aloud.
The study also reminds parents that children under the age of 2 should not use tablets at all and that children over the age of 2 should not use them for more than an hour. You can find the entire study here .
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