Let's play : Wondering what to get your child this Children's Day? Here are a few ideas

Let's play : Wondering what to get your child this Children's Day? Here are a few ideas.

Toys are part of all children's lives. They bring a great deal of joy and help kids to have a great childhood. Of course, children need time to play with toys which are considered valuable learning tools. Exploring, pretending and sharing are just a few of the important skills children develop when they play.

There are more toys to choose from today than ever before. But they don't have to be expensive. So, parents should know what toys to choose and which to avoid. For example, energetic and active preschoolers love to learn by doing. So dress-up clothes and pretend props are big favourites for them.

Meanwhile, school-age children love activities and enjoy physical equipment such as tennis rackets or skates. They also have a better understanding of rules and are fond of playing with board games, cards or dominoes. Educational and fun, you can also plug them into electronics, from MP3 players and interactive toys to digital cameras and learning laptops. They also love to be entertained with train sets, radio and remote controlled cars and more.

The basic rules for choosing toys are to know your child's interests; understand what they are studying in school and what they need to learn; and expand their interests and help them to develop a well-rounded approach to play.

However, toys are not a substitute for your having fun and doing things together. Children need to learn simple games through plenty of conversation. They need you to read stories to them, they need to sing songs, play with puzzles, do crafts, and have fun. Whatever you and your child enjoy doing together is perfect.

Happy Children's Day to all! RT

All toys are available at Paragon and The Emporium department stores.

Bangkok Post
Friday January 12, 2007