By Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, Mentor Maestro

Can your child have too many toys?
If you are always tripping over them at home, or there are not enough cupboards to hold them all, then you would probably say “Yes!” And some children’s development experts would agree with you. They claim that too many toys can overload the senses of young children and make it more difficult for them to learn to entertain themselves as they get older. When children don’t know what to do, when they’re always saying “I’m bored”, not only is this very annoying for parents, but it may actually lead to risky behaviour in adolescence.

Play is one of the most important needs your child has. Children need time and space to play - to build, to imagine, to wonder, to create, to marvel at nature, to enjoy company or be alone. As parents, it is up to us to make sure that our children have the freedom to play. And since play is instrumental in children’s learning, choosing toys wisely will pay off in the long term for you, your child and your wallet!

For wonderful play and learning opportunities, consider the following:

• Puppets and dolls that can “be anyone”, according to a child’s imagination, will promote rich, engaging play and conversation. This pretend play allows children to experience roles different from the ones they have in real life.
• Tactile activities, like play-dough, clay, sand and water play are important for small muscle development and great opportunities for expressing emotions. Many boys prefer hands-on, active play.
• Card and board games are valuable learning tools as children develop skills in taking turns, sharing and understanding rules. Group games are also helpful for language development and learning about negotiation.
• Outdoor play can be encouraged by providing simple props. The backyard can become a jungle with a few toy animals, or a racing circuit with some little cars. Ball games will help develop large muscle skills, as will skipping, running and climbing. Ride-on toys are great fun too.
• Dress-ups are always popular with girls and boys, and can lead to the most wonderful pretend play that gives children the chance to be whoever they want to be. Of course, dress-ups don’t have to cost much – they may be clothes you no longer want to wear, opportunity shop finds or even just pieces of fabric. Don’t forget the hats, bags, ties and jewellery!
• Creative play involving chalk, pencils, paint, paper, scissors and paste opens up endless possibilities for a child to make, re-make, test and try out new skills and ideas, problem-solve and express his or her emotions. Small muscle and literacy skills are developed, as well as hand-to-eye coordination.
• Construction toys are a great way to promote an awareness of space. The concepts of number, shape, size and colour can be learned through building with blocks, doing jigsaw puzzles and with posting boxes.
• Music is a relaxing, stress-free experience and can be used for children of all ages. It can be comforting for a sad child or help with body awareness through dance. Songs contribute to the early learning of language. And children can make their own music with just about anything!
• Books are, of course, vital in the lives of children. Whether a toddler is looking at the pictures in a board-book, or you are reading a story to your “preppie”, or your ten-year-old is working her way through the “Harry Potter” series, the power of language is immense.

Toys that are limited in their scope for play will only hold the child’s attention for a short time, before the child wants to move on to another toy. But toys which allow children to use their own imagination and interests to create a variety of games, will hold their attention and help to develop self-reliance and self-discipline.
So when it comes to toys, it’s about quality of the play experience, not quantity. And the amount of fun and benefits of play for children are not necessarily proportional to the cost of the toys. In fact, quite the opposite is often true.

“…..some of the richest and most meaningful play can be with junk materials.”
Kathy Walker, Education Consultant.

Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, of Mentor Maestro can help you find the answers within yourself to your parenting challenges. You will learn how a simple process can have you achieving your goals in your family more often, more calmly, with our unique programmes. For more Helpful Hints, visit www.mentormaestro.com, sign up for the free e-newsletter, contact janet@mentormaestro.com for details of the next programme, or call Janet on 9889-3991. Find out how your parenting can be easier and more fun! Individual parent coaching now available in person or over the ‘phone.