Why are Toys so Important for Children? Discover the Benefits!

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: June 21, 2022

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Why are toys so important? A question that you may have never asked as a small child because then you just started working with it. No, now that you have children of your own and see how they play with them, it becomes important.

Toys are objects mainly used by children to play with. This may sound like a clear definition, but there are many more functions. For example, toys are also a means to deal with aggression in a controlled manner and to give the aggression an outlet.

In this article I will tell you all about these functions and much more.

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Why are toys so good for children?

Toys are essential for children's development. It offers an opportunity to improve motor, social, emotional and language skills. Below are some of the ways that toys promote children's development:

Motor skills

Toys help children develop their motor skills. Think of building a tower with blocks, driving a car or playing with a ball.

Toys that require movement and physical activity can help children improve their gross motor skills, fine motor skills, coordination, balance and dexterity.

Social skills

Toys offer children the opportunity to develop social skills. By playing together, children learn to deal with winning and losing, to cooperate and to respect each other.

Toys help children practice important social skills such as sharing, communicating and working together. They also learn to better understand their own emotions and those of others.

Emotional skills

Toys help children develop their emotional skills. By playing with toys, children learn to deal with loss, patience and the right feeling of winning.

Language skills

Toys also provide an opportunity to develop language skills. By playing with toys, children learn new words and better understand what others are saying.

Cause and effect

Through play, children learn to understand how their actions can affect the world around them. This is an important skill that will help them in all areas of their lives.

Fantasy and creativity

Toys offer children a great opportunity to let their imagination run wild and be creative. Pretending to cook meals and care for babies allows children to explore different roles and experiment with what it means to be an adult.

Problem solving skills

Toys also help children develop important problem-solving skills. While playing, children are constantly faced with challenges and obstacles. To overcome these challenges, they must use their critical thinking skills to come up with solutions.

What is the history of toys?

The origin of toys

Playing is an ancient activity that has been practiced by humans and animals for centuries.
The play is a repeated pleasurable behavior that is performed without further ulterior motive.
Play is a good preparation for adulthood, where young animals and children develop their motor skills, physical intelligence and communication skills.
Playing is also a source of fun and entertainment for the players.

The history of toys

Toys have been part of play for centuries, with people and animals using objects to play.
Toys have evolved over time from simple objects such as sticks and bricks to complex mechanical toy cars and robots.
Toys have also evolved from a simple toy made by the parents or caregivers to an industrially produced product.
Toys have also evolved from a simple toy used only for entertainment to an educational toy that helps children develop their skills.

The future of toys

Toys have become more and more sophisticated and more and more technological innovations are being applied to improve toys.
Toys have become increasingly interactive, where children can interact with their toys and the toys can react to their actions.
Toys are increasingly geared towards developing skills, challenging children to improve their cognitive, motor and social skills.
Toys are increasingly aimed at educating children about various topics, helping children to gain more knowledge about the world around them.

What should you pay attention to when buying toys?

Choosing the right toys for your child can be a challenge. There are a number of things to keep in mind when choosing a toy.

Look at the age rating on the toy. This indicates whether the toy is suitable for the child.
Do not buy toys with small parts for children under the age of three, as they may be a choking hazard.
Do not buy toys with strings, laces or other loose parts that could be a choking hazard.
Choose toys that are appropriate for the child's abilities. Choose toys that match the child's interests.
Choose toys that are safe and made of quality materials.
Choose toys that can stimulate the child's imagination.

Why are sustainable toys important?

Sustainable toys are important because they have a positive impact on the environment. It is made of durable materials such as wood, cotton and cork. It is also made of materials that are not harmful to the environment. Durable toys are too safe and for children and can be used for extended periods of time.

What are good toys?

Characteristics of good toys

It meets the needs and development of the child
It reports an age indication
It won't break easily
It lets you learn automatically
It continues to hold its value
It always offers new and different possibilities
It is provided with a user manual
It makes you forget the time

Safety of toys

The toys must comply with the toy guideline in the Netherlands
The toy must bear the letters CE
The toys must meet the needs of the child
The toys must be safe

Quality of toys

Choose quality brand toys
Do not choose cheap and quickly produced counterfeit toys
Choose toys that have an age indication

The best material for toys

Why is wood the best material for toys?

Wood is one of the most durable and safe materials for toys. It is environmentally friendly, has a natural warmth and is easy to clean. Wood is also strong and durable, making it a great choice for toys that will last for years to come.

What are the advantages of using other materials?

In addition to wood, other natural materials are also used for toys, such as cork, cardboard, paper and rubber. These materials offer a unique look and feel. They are also environmentally friendly and can be recycled. In addition, they are strong and durable, giving them a long service life.

How to choose the best material for toys?

Choosing the right material for toys depends on several factors. Consider, for example, the age of the child, safety and sustainability. It is also important to look at the quality of the material and whether it is easy to clean. If in doubt, you can always contact an expert for advice.

What kind of toys are good for babies?

Toys for Stimulating the Senses
Toys for Supporting Motor Development
Toys for Strengthening Cognitive Skills
Toys for Strengthening Social Skills

What kind of toys are good for toddlers?

Why are toys important for toddlers?

Toys are an essential part of toddler development. It helps to explore the world and learn new skills. Toys help toddlers improve their motor skills, stimulate their creativity and improve their social skills. It is also a good way to strengthen the bond between parents and children.

How do you choose the right toys for toddlers?

Choose toys that are safe and appropriate for your child's age. Look at the age rating on the toy and choose toys that match your child's interests and abilities. Choose toys that are interactive, such as puzzles, crafts, building and playing with dolls. Also choose toys that educational such as books, musical instruments and games.

How can you keep toys safe?

Keep toys clean and inspect regularly for broken or loose parts. Remove batteries from toys when your child is not playing with them. Keep toys containing small parts out of the reach of small children. Store toys in a safe place so they cannot be used when your child is not with them.

What kind of toys are good for schoolchildren?

Toys for schoolchildren 3-6 years

Crafting and experimenting: crafting, building, coloring, cutting, pasting, painting, photographing, cooking, science and technology.
Outdoor play: cycling, roller skating, balls, trampolines, marbles, jumping rope, skateboarding, squishy.
Realistic toys: sewing machines, trains, dress-up clothes, action heroes, barbie dolls, blocks, playmobil.
Electronic toys: radio controlled toys, electric trains.

Toys for schoolchildren 6-12 years

Crafting and experimenting: crafting, building, coloring, cutting, pasting, painting, photographing, cooking, science and technology.
Outdoor play: cycling, roller skating, balls, trampolines, marbles, jumping rope, skateboarding, squishy.
Realistic toys: sewing machines, trains, dress-up clothes, action heroes, barbie dolls, blocks, playmobil.
Electronic toys: radio controlled toys, electric trains, computer games.
Hobbies: music, dance, art, sports.

Toys for older children

Why are toys for 10 year olds important?

Toys are an important part of a 10 year old child's development. It helps children to improve their skills, explore their interests and stimulate their creativity. Toys can also help teach social skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving.

How to choose the right toys for 10 year olds?

Choosing the right toys for 10 year olds is an important decision. To make sure you choose the best toys, it's important to consider the child's interests, age, and the skills the toy is meant to support. It is also important to make sure that the toy is safe and meets safety standards.

What kinds of toys are suitable for children aged 10?

There are many different toys that are suitable for 10 year olds. This includes construction toys, educational toys, puzzles and games, themed toys, outdoor toys, creative toys and educational toys.

How do you buy toys that are sufficiently challenging?

Buying toys that are sufficiently challenging is important to keep the interest of 10-year-olds. It is important to choose toys that match the child's interests and abilities. It is also important to choose toys that provide the opportunity to improve the child's skills. It is also important to choose toys that provide the opportunity to play together with other children.

Do you have to stick to the age range for toys?

Why is it important to respect age categories for toys?

Toys are meant to entertain children, but it is also important that they are safe. That is why it is important to respect the age categories for toys. The age categories are based on the safety requirements set for toys by the European Toy Directive 2009/48/EC.

How do you determine the age range for toys?

To determine the age range for a toy, you must first determine whether the product falls under the definition of a toy. You can use article 2 and appendix 1 of the European Toys Directive 2009/48/EC for this. You can also consult the documents of the European Commission.

You then have to determine for which age category the product is intended. For this you can use the CEN/ISO 8124-8 guidelines for age determination.

What safety requirements should you take into account when designing toys?

When designing toys, you should take the following safety requirements into account:

Determine if the product falls under the definition of a toy.
Determine for which age category you are designing the product.
See if there are any specific safety requirements for the toy item you are producing.
Make sure that the toy is provided with the mandatory markings, such as name and address details and warnings.
Create a technical file with all relevant data to ensure that the toy meets the requirements.
Make sure the toy complies with the European Toy Directive 2009/48/EC.
Make sure that the toy meets the stricter chemical requirements and standards.
Make sure that the toy complies with the applicable cosmetics legislation.
Make sure the toy complies with Regulation 1935/2004 on materials intended for food contact.

Educational apps that combine screen with toys

How Educational Apps Enrich Toys

Educational apps that combine screen with toys offer a unique way to help children learn.
Magik Play Starter Kit is a set of wooden building blocks that interact with an iPad.
With this kit, children can learn about shapes and colors, improve spatial awareness and develop their fine motor skills.
The Hidden Shape, Dino Blocks, and Runaway apps are recommended for ages two, three, and four.
These apps help kids apply evidence-based reasoning and prior knowledge of geometric shapes, practice design skills, and build structures.

Conclusion

Toys are a fantastic tool to let your children play and stimulate their development. With these tips you can keep them busy and stimulate their development.