Each child needs toys that will help him or her grow and develop.Finding such toys may not be that hard for some, but there are also times that parents search high and low without finding anything that grabs them.In choosing a toy, there are some things that you should keep in mind while shopping.First, consider the age and developmental stage of the child.Toys are often grouped according to age, so this can help you narrow your search right away.You should then think about how your child plays and evaluate the toy in that context.Does your child have the fine motor skills to do a puzzle, or is she still banging away with a hammer? If you think your child can handle a toy designed for older children, you can certainly buy it, just be sure to keep in mind the safety issues that drive the age classifications.For example, small objects like marbles should never be made available to a very young child until you are certain you are past the everything in the mouth?stage, and even then adequate supervision is essential.The next step is to ask yourself if the toy will complement what you already have.Have a mental list of the toys you already have to avoid duplication.You can look for items that will extend the value of your existing toys, for example adding new toy food to a play kitchen, or paints and brushes to an easel that you only used markers with when your child was too young for paints.Third, consider that many toys have a very narrow play value, meaning that they can only be played with in a limited way.Something like a set of flash cards to help young children learn shapes and colors can really only be used one way, while a set of colored blocks in different shapes can achieve that goal as well as unlimited other uses. building towers, cargo in your dump truck, dollhouse furniture, fences for your toy critters, you get the idea!Another thing to keep in mind is the materials the toy is made from.Wooden toys are a classic choice that help keep your child connected to the natural world and seem to have a calming influence on some children.While you certainly don't have to make every toy a wooden one, it's a good idea to be sure not every toy is a plastic one.Lastly, try to visualize what your child really enjoys in order to get your money's worth.Buying something that she isn't interested in can be a waste of time and effort.Understanding your child and how she plays will help you choose toys that will be well loved.Of course you can also introduce new play concepts as she grows, but having a clear picture of your child's personality and play style will help you avoid spending money on toys that just sit around.As your child grows, she l also be exposed to other types of play at school and through friends, so be open to what she learns from those sources too.These are perhaps the most basic things adults can consider when purchasing a toy for little ones.Children are inquisitive by nature and love learning new things.Helping minds and bodies develop with a variety of quality toys should be the objectives of the loving adults in their lives.
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