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In our crazy 24/7 world, you hear about so
many parenting ideas and ways to enhance
your child’s developmental process. Some
you’ve thought of yourself and adapted to
your children, others friends and family
have passed along. Often, we hear about a
great idea that we’d love to learn more
about, but we don’t know where to start.
Well, today you’ve found a great starting
point for introducing appropriate learning
tools into your children’s lives. Let’s
look at some of the primary ways that
children develop:
-Through physical activity-
During their first year, a child’s movements
become more refined and coordinated as they
learn what their own body can do through
simple actions. As the years pass, these
movements (also known as gross motor skills)
become more complex and will require
children to use their bodies during play.
Especially helpful in this developmental
area are toys that encourage building,
stacking, pulling, kicking and throwing.
-Through interaction with others-
From the moment of birth, children begin to
form relationships with others. As they
grow, hopefully these relationships deepen
and enable them to handle many and varied
relationships with individuals outside of
their initial circle. The ability to build
and further relationships, make complex
judgments (such as deciding between right
and wrong) and exercise fair play can all be
enhanced with group games, stuffed animals,
puppets and instruments.
-Through mental activity-
Learning, recognition, developing concepts,
problem solving and cause & effect
relationships are all abilities that can
benefit a person from birth through
adulthood. The baby that finds a mobile
moves when they touch it, begins to
understand cause and effect while older
children will begin to develop concepts and
organize ideas as they interact with others
and gain exposure to the world around them.
Books, games, puzzles and toys with various
shapes, colors and sizes can be especially
helpful in encouraging mental activity.
Throughout this article, I’ve made
reference to various developmental tools
that can be beneficial to a child’s learning
and social/emotional growth. But, with so
many choices out there, how do you know
where you can get quality products, and if
they are right for your child’s age group or
developmental stage?
Many parents have heard of the Discovery
Toys company and have used their products
successfully for many years! A nationally
recognized leader in educational toys,
books, games and software, Discovery Toys
has been introducing innovative learning
tools for over 25 years. All of their
products are age-appropriate and non-violent
and come with a 100% money back guarantee.
Today’s toy, game and software markets are
FLOODED with war and crime themes and I am
of the opinion that so much exposure to this
violence will hurt children and society in
the long run. Introducing educational tools
that send positive messages and that are
purposeful and fun, is one step you can take
to provide your child with the best
opportunities for development-even from
birth!
A good toy, game, book or software has
multiple benefits and, as stated, can be a
valuable tool in learning and development
from birth through the school years. To
select the right products for your child,
you can start by asking yourself these
questions:
1. Can the toy be used in several
different ways?
2. Can a child power the toy with their
imagination and own ideas?
3. Is it fun, safe, durable and attractive?
4. Are there varying levels of activity that
offer ongoing challenges to a variety of
ages and ability (software)?
5. Are appropriate values, ethics, problem
solving and life situations presented
(books)?
6. Over time, will my child still enjoy this
product?
There is no final word on the best way to
develop your child’s potential, but the
opportunities to do so are limitless.
Informed and involved parents can give their
children a head start in ways that encourage
learning through play!
Author Bio:
Amy Roode is an Independent Educational
Consultant with Discovery Toys who loves to
share educational products with parents who
are looking to have fun with their children
while making a difference in their
development. Information pertaining to
specific developmental skills in this
article was obtained through tools and
materials that I have received through
Discovery Toys.
For more parenting tips and to see all of
Discovery Toys high quality toys, books,
games and software
click here.
NOTE: The article above titled "Child
Development & Toys" was provided by a
visitor to "The New Parents Guide" and is the opinion of its author
Amy Roode. "The New Parents Guide" does not guarantee the information to
be factual. Always use the guidance of your child's doctor
or your health care provider over information you read on this site or elsewhere; your doctor knows what is
best for you or your baby.
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