IN this digital age it's easy to forget that there is a whole range of toys that will offer kids hours of fun and learning.
In the interests of full disclosure, I will start by saying that I hate the term "educational toys." There is an implication that some toys are better than others and good parents will make sure that their children are only playing with educational toys.
I dealt with this issue in my book, But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. I say "Play is the essence of childhood. If we want our kids to grow up to be self-sufficient and independent with good problem-solving skills, play is the place to start."
Children play and learn all day. Whether they are playing with a cardboard box, action figures or a teddy bear, they are learning.
Our job is to keep an eye on their toy collection to see that they have materials that coordinate with their developmental level and interests.
Some kids love dress-up clothes and while others want building toys. It is important to note that choosing your kid's toys should have nothing to do with gender-specific choices. Little girls will happily trundle dump trucks through the sandbox and boys can prepare a pretend feast with the best of them.
A 12-month-old child wants to start to do things for herself but doesn't have much co-ordination. So toys that allow her to dump, fill and put together easily are great. These kids love water toys, stacking toys and lovely big blocks.
By 18 months they want to push, pull and lug things around. So a doll buggy or small wagon that they can load up with their stuffed animals offer great fun. This is also when imaginative play such as imitating Mom and Dad begins, so a toy cell phone works well.
After their second birthday, kids will get involved in longer-term play so things like tea sets and doctor kits are fun and will engage your child. This is also when miniature barns and garages with animals and cars are popular.
Not everything has to be toys you buy. Kids love things like empty yogurt containers. Boxes or old magazines are a treat for these little ones.
There are a few classics. A good set of building blocks will grow with your child. First they will be dumped out of a container. When the child gets a bit older he will stack them and later build castles and mansions.
Play-doh is a great favourite and can be made at home. Cookie cutters, a rolling pin and some small plastic animals lead children to many adventures.
As soon as kids can keep things out of their mouths it's time to stock art supplies. Big fat crayons and sheets of paper, or some watercolours or fingerpaints are popular with children.
Dress-up clothes lead to some wonderful imaginative play. Old hats, shoes, dresses and shortened pants will provide solitary and group play. And if you want to splurge, a wand or firefighter's hat will add to the fun.
Kids of all ages love music. Sing with your kids (they love when you sing and have no idea if you are on tune or not), dance with them. Don't limit yourself to children's music, also put on your songs and whirl around the floor with them.
And don't forget books. Read to your kids. Read to them every day. Kids who learn to enjoy books and reading from a young age will be able to entertain themselves. When they are little they will love looking at the pictures and as they mature will be keen to read their favourite books.
However, once they can read, don't stop reading to them. Storytime is a very special time between children and adults. So read to them and encourage their aunts, uncles and grandparents to also curl up with a child or two and a good book.
Kathy Lynn is a professional speaker and author of Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at www.parentingtoday.ca.
