According to "What to Expect the Toddler Years," all mammals play because it is an essential part of growing up. Toys give toddlers many items to use during play that help develop a toddler's social, physical and cognitive development. As little scientists, toddlers are often asking "What happens if I..." and toys give them the tools they need to conduct these experiments.
Motor Skills
Motor skills are divided into gross, which entail large movements of the body, and fine, which involve small movements of the hands and fingers.
Fine motor skills are more difficult to develop because they involve more concentration and control, which are two traits still developing for toddlers. To help your toddler improve fine motor skills, encourage him to play with building blocks, puzzles, shape sorters and toys that require the manipulation of knobs, dials and buttons.
Toys used to develop gross motor skills help keep your toddler physically healthy while developing muscles. Some toys that require large body movements are tricycles, slides, push and pull toys and anything that can be climbed.
Socialization
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, playing teaches toddlers how to cooperate, follow, lead and solve problems. Toys add to these benefits by promoting sharing and turn-taking among young children. A wagon can be used to take turns while one child rides and the other pulls.
Stuffed animals and dolls can also offer socialization opportunities when no other children are present. A toddler-size table with chairs and a few stuffed animals can turn into your toddler organizing and hosting a tea party.
Education
Far before your child can read, they can benefit from books. Reading to your toddler allows her to hear words in relation to pictures in the book. Electronic books offer toddlers the opportunity to push buttons that make sounds or repeat words. Some books offer textures for your toddler to feel.
Building blocks with their different shapes and sizes help your child with basic problem-solving skills and also teach them about gravity, according to the website Health Guidance. Creativity and imagination are also nurtured with building blocks. In addition, offering a child an easel with nontoxic art materials, such as paint, crayons and markets can help develop creativity skills.
Electronic toys can teach the alphabet, letters, numbers, counting, shapes, colors and opposites. A preschool laptop is one toy that offers many of these benefits.
Pretend
Playing pretend allows your toddler to create his own world where he makes the rules. During pretend, your child will often develop problem-solving skills by creating problem, determining a solution and acting upon his decisions. While pretending, your child is in control and is able to act out real-life and imaginary situations.
Some toys that can encourage your children to pretend are dress-up clothes, toys kitchens, dolls and cars. If you're ever in a place where toys aren't available, encourage your child to use his imagination. Something as simple as a pencil can easily turn into a magic wand for a toddler.
Considerations
When choosing toys for your toddler, ensure that all pieces are too large to fit in the child's mouth. Even stuffed animals can have plastic eyes that can easily be chewed off by a toddler.
Always check the recommended age for toys to be sure you're keeping your child safe while playing.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Young Children Learn A Lot When They Play
- Health Guidance: The Importance of Play-Educational Toys Make a Difference
- "What to Expect the Toddler Years"; Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg & Sandee Hathaway; 2008
