Until recently the way our children grow up was perceived as a given. Children were to be fed and kept warm and healthy and to tell the truth that worked. However these days more effort is put into understanding the ways how to go beyond physical well-being and give your child a chance to succeed in the world where wits are of greater value.
That is why so much effort is put into creating toys that will not only entertain but more importantly, stimulate the activity of certain parts of the brain. At this point, please, stop before you run out to buy your toddler a puzzle of Notre Dame de Paris. For kids complicated does not mean effective, a 3D model of the castle won't make your kid smarter, just confused.
Every child is born with a talent, imaginative ability, and social patterns that are valuable assets for deciding the future. Some researchers claim that almost 50% of adult intelligence capabilities occurred until the age of 4. No pressure on parents!
Here are some tips on what to concentrate on while the time is on your side.
Colours, Shapes and Mood.
Do you ever find yourself dealing with a toddler who seems to be constantly moody? Have you considered that the colours of their toys could play a role in their behaviour? It's actually quite surprising how much children rely on colours to perceive the world around them. Even though they may be unable to name all the colours, they can easily distinguish objects based on their hues.
When it comes to choosing the right colours for your child's toys, it's important to keep in mind the impact that different hues can have on their mood and energy levels. Warm colours like yellow and red are known to promote excitement and energy, which may not be ideal right before bedtime. So, it might be best to opt for calming colours like blues or greens for evening playtime instead. By being mindful of the colours you expose your child to, you can help create a more harmonious and balanced environment for them to thrive in.
Furniture design. How can it affect a child's development?
Toys are not the only element of your kid s environment where colours matter. Apart from being safe in terms of materials and shapes (no sharp corners), furniture for toddlers has to be painted appropriately. There are immensely attractive options on the market like bedroom sets in Disney of Marvell style. And they attract parents more than kids actually, the desire to give to your child all the things you wanted but could not have can backfire. So, let s be honest, a toddler cares little about sleeping in a Spider Man s bed, but being surrounded by bright red, black and deep blue can be sensory overwhelming.
The tables and chairs that seem dull to an adult's eye are the best environments for kids to thrive. Soft and neutral shades of green, yellow blue and pink will do more good than any flashy toy. They help balance emotions and promote creativity.
Developing the ability to think and reason. Where to start?
Do not rush to introduce any digital devices. Despite being educationally beneficial for teens, they are not recommended by renowned paediatric associations. Moreover, kids aged 0-2 should not be exposed to technology at all. Starting from 3-5 years the limit must be set on no more than one hour a day. So what should one do when the tablet is out of the equation?
One excellent alternative is to go back to basics with good old wooden toys. Their popularity is at its peak and for good reason. They work with both touch and eyesight.
Wooden Stacking Toy is a great example of soft shapes meeting warm hues. While playing with this toy, kids learn to differentiate colours and shapes, as well as sort objects based on various criteria. Suddenly, a simple pyramid toy doesn't seem so useless after all.
Buy kids' wooden furniture and toys now:
