To begin with, here are the ground rules for grown-ups. First, don’t overload your kids with toys. Too many at once will simply overwhelm them. Second don’t take away old favourites – even if doggy, teddy, or dolly has been loved to bits. And third: suggested age ranges aren’t set in stone. Be patient if a child can’t yet cope with some particular game. She’ll soon get the knack.
As a natural, on-going part of our work as parents, teachers, early childhood specialists and others involved with children at home or elsewhere we observe children at play. This includes selecting the right products to enhance play and learning.
We can depend on the durability and versatility of such items as blocks, construction toys, games, puppets, and transportation toys. They stimulate the imagination, engage the player, have value and hold up over time.
“There. Did you see that?” a worried mother asked her friend after observing her gifted daughter stand up and walk away from two other little girls who were playing a card game.
