Kids and toys...

Score one for the anti-video game and technology crowd. As I was deciding on a topic this evening toys and Christmas gifts popped to the top of the list. After a bit of research I ran across an online article b y Science Daily News about what kinds of toys would be good for youngsters.

The article quotes information from Temple University and the University of Delaware. Researchers there say old-fashioned simpler "retro" toys  encourage the development of creativity and exploration more than the new high-tech toys and games.  “Your child gets to build his or her imagination around these simpler toys; the toys don’t command what your child does, but your child commands what the toys do,” says Temple University developmental psychologist Kathy Hirsh-Pasek.

When you are choosing toys remember:

1. Choose toys that encourage the child to direct the playing, not the other way around.
2. Choose toys that allow children many options for play. Options for play will encourage imagination.
3. Don't choose toys that promises too much. Chances are a toy won't be able to teach your child calculus or another language.
4. Choose toys that will allow or encourage a child's social interaction skills to develop.

Once again here's the link to a very informative article: Science Daily News-Retro toys...

Happy toy shopping everyone!

Dan Breeden
News 19 Chief Meteorologist