All work and no play can affect your child's development. Supporting your child through the world of play to learn and stimulate them creatively is possible with almost any toy.
No one knows your child as best as you do. Choose something that works for your child. Create moments where you can interact with your child and their educational toy by talking to them about what they are doing. This can help boost the way they learn and retain information. Here is what you need to know.
Be part of the play
Whether your child is a toddler or is in their foundation phase of education, your involvement can affect how they learn. You can buy the most expensive educational toys that come with a range of claims or a simple toy that can keep them busy. The difference between learning something valuable and simply playing is based on whether a parent interacts with their child. Not every play moment has to involve an educational moment, but parents who choose to interact with their children by questioning them, following their train of thought and giving them little nuggets of knowledge while they play can help them learn better.
Let them explore
Letting your child explore all types of toys and ways to play can boost their self-confidence and their creativity. Encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone and introducing a range of toys and interactive games that can help their physical, mental and emotional growth is crucial. They may not interact with an educational toy in the way you intended them to, but letting them explore, make their own mistakes or guide them towards the benefits of a toy can create a safe space for both you and your child to play and learn.
Don’t be afraid to go digital
With the rise of digital educational tools and visual education, educational toys have taken a whole new meaning. Breaking up your child's time into something that is worthwhile and can improve their IQ, motor control and soft skills can be found online. The rise of the Cocomelon era and STEM-focused online skills in the form of video games, tangible toys or designing interactive content has made it possible to turn screen time into something educational. Remember to set some time out from interacting with screens.
