Play is a crucial and indispensable aspect of young children’s growth and learning, and it defines social relationships. Play is an essential function through childhood, specifically from birth to age 5 where the child develops quickly. When we think of early childhood, one aspect that we often consider is play and how it contributes to the growth of the child in cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. In this blog, we’ll explain why parents should be conscientious while selecting toys for kids, to ensure they help the child to grow as he/she should.
Cognitive Development Through Play
Cognitive development is generally used in how children learn, play, and solve problems. It includes problem-solving, memory, and decision-making. Learning as play is essential for cognitive development because it allows children to explore, acquire cause-effect knowledge, and think.
Problem-Solving Skills
During play, children are faced with different situations that they need to solve in one way or another. For instance, when children are playing with toys called building blocks, they are compelled to understand on their own how they are going to arrange the blocks such that the structure formed will be strongly built. Problems are solved, as well as spatial orientations, which make this type of play somewhat beneficial to the children.
Language and Communication
Communication in play can range from a child talking to himself/herself or other children in his or her presence or even the toys they are playing with. Even simple imitation as in the case of teaching, doctoring, parenting, and the rest where children imitate teachers, physicians parents, etc, the language skills are helped by role-playing. Such interactions are important in child development, especially in the development of social communication skills which are relevant in learning institutions and workplaces.
Emotional Development Through Play
Emotional development may include the concept of self, personal feelings and social relationships, empathy, and self-esteem. Thus, play can be described as a safe area for children where the kids can express their feelings and learn how to deal with different emotions.
Expressing Emotions
During play, the child is able to act out in a safe manner and handle her emotions in the process. For example, a child can pretend to use a toy and demonstrate something that they have been through like a doctor’s visit. Such role-playing enables them to sort out their emotional experience as far as he or she has a chance to feel fear, curiosity, and so forth. Any toys which may be utilized to aid kids engage in symbolic play including dolls or action figures are most useful for helping children to self-identify and act out feelings.
Building Self-Confidence
When young children play they are able to develop new skills and thus gain confidence. For instance, if children are able to solve a puzzle or erect a block, children have a good feeling that they have achieved something. This enhances their self-esteem and challenges them to work harder and achieve more so that they may be able to meet those challenges, making them privileged to learn.
Social Development Through Play
Social development entails learning processes and behaviors in relationships, the capacity to make friends and the understanding of rules in the society. Play enables the children to engage in process that enables them to model behaviors such as cooperation, bargaining, compromise or negotiation in cases of difference.
Cooperation and Teamwork
Casting games like the construction of a fort, preparing to play a game of pretending, children are obliged to plan collectively for action. The kind of co-operative play that involves playing with toys or objects such as dolls facilitate the development of good teamwork, communication as well as collaboration. For educational toys, toys that could be used in a team by children such as blocks or team sports items are ideal for the children.
Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
In play, children are often in positions where they have to compromise and find resolution to given issues. For instance, when two children have their eyes on the same toy, one of them or both must learn to compromise and either share or switch. All of these incidents pass lessons on children in negotiations and conflict solving skills that shall benefit them in their social relations throughout their lives.
Physical Development Through Play
Physical development is the growth of the body and the development of skills which involve moving, coordinating and utilizing the muscles of the body. Play is also important in the physical development because it motivates children to move around and append their fine and gross motor skills..
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor development involves the part of the body which has large muscles and these include running, jumping, and climbing to mention but a few. These muscles are strengthened and flexibility as well as balance and coordination of the body is enhanced through outdoor activities like playing on the playground, riding a tricycle, and among others. Some of the products that young children like those of 2 years can benefit from include ride-on toys, balls, climbing equipment, and many others.
Fine Motor Skills
Gross motor skills are associated with the large muscles of the body, therefore; fine motor skills are connected to the delicate muscles in the hands and fingers, which are important for activities such as writing, drawing, and carrying out other delicate tasks.
Therefore, the kind of activities that the child actively engages in such as stacking blocks, playing with playdough, or tabletop utensils among others assist in the development of the child’s fine motor skills. Stationery products like puzzles, beads, and art equipment that are designed for children need to be availed to the kids because they help them develop fine motor skills that are needed at later stages in life.
Conclusion
It is crucial in early childhood for play to be present in all learning activities that a kid is involved in as he or she grows. Deciding on the right toys for children, especially toys for 2 year olds is extremely critical with regard to this development. A large part is also given to parents and caregivers as they, for instance, ensure they acquire safe toys for children, toys that are appropriate for the children’s age, and toys that provide challenge and development to the children.
If you are looking for the right toys that can help your child to develop then try visiting Joys Like Toys. We have a great variety of toys free from hazards that can be appropriate for all ages of your child’s development. Parents, entrust your child’s education to Joys Like Toys today and let your kid learn with fun.
