As you examine any potential children's product, before
you purchase it, ask yourself the following questions:
Is
the product appropriate now? Does the product fit the
child's age, skills and abilities?Will it hold the child's
interests?
Is the toy /product well -designed? Is it safe? Are
there any potential hazards such as sharp edges, parts
that can be swallowed, or loose ties? Is it non-toxic?
Does it meet Consumer Product Safety Standards? How
durable is it? Will it take rough treatment? Is there
a guarantee on the product?
Is the toy or product appealing? Is it something the
child will enjoy using for a long time? Does it have
long lasting play value? Does it have versatility?
Does the toy offer an opportunity to stimulate creativity?
The right products in arts, crafts, hobbies, language,
reading, music, movement and drama can help to expand
the child's imagination, thinking and comprehension.
Does the toy match the package and the package match
the toy? If the toy does not match ads or package it
can be disappointing. Is age grading clear?
Will the product teach? Does it help expand positive
self-esteem, values, understanding, cultural awareness,
Does it help encourage the growth of self-esteem, values,
or cultural values offer practice in skills, eye hand
coordination, or fine and large motor skills? Does the
product help teach communication skills? Does it expand
understanding of the environment, the community, and
world? Does it teach or practice computer skills?
Is the toy affordable? Does the price match the value
received?
Will the product frustrate or challenge the child? Does
the product offer an opportunity to think, learn something
new , practice or try something that will be beneficial?
Or will it be too difficult for the child to use. However,
the product may be perfect for doing an activity, a
construction project, a craft, hobby, or playing a game.
Having fun together as a family is an important part
of the child's play experiences.
Will the toy help to nurture childhood? Can the child
use the product by themselves? Will it help them gain
independent skills? Does the product help the child
express emotions, experience care and concern for others,
practice positive social interaction? Is there any violence,
sexism or negative aspect to the product?
Is the toy fun? Most importantly will the child enjoy
using the product? Will it make him or her laugh? Relax?
Feel good? Play is after all a time to have fun. Learning
is a lot easier and is more enduring if it's fun!
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Think
about these points:
What
does your child need now and what is he or she ready
to play with?
The
right toy/product at the right price for the right reason
will help make your child realize more joy, wonder,
and learning.
Give
your child a chance to tell you about the toys and products
on their wish list.
Consider
one of those fantasy products the child wants, even
if you think its silly. The child is only this age once.
Even if we don't agree about their choices, they need
to learn to be responsible for decisions they make as
consumers. They are influenced a lot by what their friends
are playing with and by what they see on television.
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