Are Your Child's Toys Safe?

Educational toys are one of the best ways to facilitate the educational and developmental growth of a child as well as promote strong relationship building between parent and child. However, when choosing a toy(s) for a child, there are three things that consumers should keep in mind before purchasing any toy. Is the toy(s) safe, affordable and age (developmental) appropriate. 

In today's toy manufacturing market, government regulations and improved safety standards have made most toys safe when used in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. However, although regulations and standards for toy manufacturing has improved over the years, parents and caregivers need to take note that this does not mean that a toy is safe. To determine a toy safety considerations should be made as to how much uses or abuse the toy may experience as well as how the toy is to be used for its optimum enjoyment. Also keep in mind that toy safety goes beyond its basic construction. For instance, some toys may pose an emotional or social risk which also renders them unsafe, such as violence and or negative racial, ethnic, cultural or gender overtones. The toys that parents and caregivers permit their children to play with good or bad will play a part in the development of their child's value system.    

Next, children do not need expensive toys although the expense may reflect the effectiveness as well as its appealing properties to keep a child engaged over a period of time. There is no benefit for child or parent whether a toy is expensive or inexpensive if the child loses interest in a short period of time, which brings us to the toy being age appropriate.

Age appropriate toys are toys that will challenge a child without frustrating him/her or cause the child to lose interest because he/she has developed beyond the toys capability to challenge their thinking and or motor skills. They are toys that not only cause children to use their current skills, but also aid in developing additional skills. An understanding of which toys are appropriate for which age is useful when purchasing toy, so if parents and caregivers are not quite sure as to which toys are safe, affordable and age (developmental) appropriate, they can consult a pediatrician or an educator the specializes in early childhood education and development.

There is great power released for brain development through positive daily interaction with your child. Educational toys can provide children with vigorous physical activities as well as social and emotional development as parents and caregivers provide quality experiences through interaction. Creating opportunities that will challenge their imaginations and cause their creative juices to flow with toys that are safe, affordable and age appropriate will open the door for your child's future success. 


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