Children are born explorers - they learn by doing. And toys that encourage this can help them develop physically, by honing their fine motor control and strengthening bigger muscle groups; mentally, by teaching important concepts and problem-solving; and emotionally, by encouraging role playing, taking turns, fairness and empathy.
Such toys are less likely to be expensive ones with flashing lights and amazing sound effects, than simple ones that encourage your child to use their imagination and engage with them in a fun way, rather than sit passively and watch.
In fact, some of the best toys for kids are still a set of plastic measuring cups or yoghurt tubs for pouring sand or bathwater, a big cardboard box they can imagine to be a house, a fort or a car, and some of your old clothes to play dress-up, says educational psychologist Dr Shireen Mohamed, who is part of the neuro-developmental team at the KZN Children’s Hospital in Durban, and in private practice. But when you’re buying, look for:
Shape sorters and simple puzzles
These help your little one learn about colours, shapes and patterns, and concepts like in and out. Plus, they’re good for hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills. Talk to your child to add to their knowledge: “That’s a square!” and “Where does the blue piece go?”
Push-pull and ride-on toys
These encourage littlies to get mobile, building their confidence and encouraging independence. There’s nothing like a pull toy to entice them to get crawling, with you doing the pulling at first. Then look for a sturdy push toy that can’t tip over, to help with balance and co-ordination as they start walking.
Later, zooming around on a foot-propelled plastic ‘boom-boom’ bike is huge fun and gives a sense of independence and control. From around age 3, their co-ordination should be developed enough to learn to peddle, so consider a tricycle – and a sturdy helmet. “It’ll protect them and teach good habits and responsibility,” says Mohamed.
Balls
Playing with these is one of the best ways to develop co-ordination, fitness and social and family ties, whether it’s rolling a ball down a slide, or into a cardboard box laid on its side, or kicking it around the yard.
Blocks
From simple wooden stacking blocks to sophisticated hard-plastic systems that interlock, these are a great way to encourage creativity and perseverance, and give a feeling of accomplishment.
Books, letters and numbers
Look for simple stories with clear illustrations, in durable card or plastic to bear much handling. And expect to have to read them to your little one many times: they learn by repetition. Lay the foundations for their own reading and numeracy skills with foam letters and numbers for the bath, or magnetic ones for the fridge. And give chunky non-toxic crayons and paper, to encourage them to scribble and draw.
Dolls, action figures and toy animals
These can do wonders for building imagination, as your little one turns them into guests at a tea party, audience members at a concert, or fellow travellers in their cardboard-box car. They’re good for teaching manners and you can join in - “Dolly says ‘thank you for sharing your cake with me’”.
Encourage your little one’s imagination to grow with our range of toys and fun figures here.
And they help your little one to name and understand their emotions: “Kitty looks sad like you, let’s stroke her so she feels better, and ask her what’s wrong.” This teaches empathy, says Mohamed. “And by encouraging your child to do complete a story, it helps with their verbal skills and teaches problem-solving.”
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