Home > FAQs

Learning toys FAQs

How can I tell if a toy is safe for my child?

Most toys will provide a recommended age, which can be helpful. For more specific details, it’s never a bad idea to research a toy online before purchasing. Read reviews written by other parents.

Are electronic toys bad for my child’s cognitive development?

Not necessarily. As discussed on this site, there are a number of interactive toys that utilize electronic components which are specifically designed to foster and encourage cognitive development. However, it is true that some parents have criticized some of these games for being less effective than their more tangible counterparts. These parents claim, for example, that reading something on an electronic screen slips away from memory more quickly. However, electronic toys cannot all be dismissed in this way, and one of their biggest benefits is the appeal they will have for older children. 

How can I determine which learning toys are best for my child?

Different children have different personalities and talents, of course; some children will take to science kits right away, whereas others will show an early love of reading. This is not to say that if your child does not like reading or science right away you should no longer encourage him or her in those things; rather, it’s to say that if your child shows a particular propensity for building, a set of blocks or a construction kit might not be a bad idea. “Choose the toys that engage your child’s interest” may seem like a simple answer, but it is nevertheless important to choosing the best learning toy.

As for determining whether a toy is working after you’ve purchased it, one of the best indicators of whether the child is working effectively is also one of the most obvious: If your child is playing with the toy regularly, that is a good sign.

Lastly, pay attention to the recommended age label. It is unlikely that a learning toy designed for a toddler will remain interesting for your preschooler.

 

Learning Toys | Childrens Toys | Learning Center | Site Map | Contact | Home

©