The buzz for word for the latest must have toys this Christmas is ‘interactive’.
This doesn’t mean that the toy will sit and have a full conversation with your tot, but you can expect it to respond with sounds, lights and even actions to what your child is doing.
The educational value of these toys should not be overlooked. At such a tender age there are so many basic concepts of life that your child needs to learn, one of which is that their actions can affect the world around them.
Toddlers will relish the power and senseof control they feel when they realize that they can make Elmo giggle (Tickle Me Elmo) while tickling him or make Cookie Monster squirm when they squeeze his toe (Count N Crunch Cookie Monster).
This repetitive process also helps them learn how to predict what will happen based on their past experiences.
When buying interactive toys for tots, look for the following:
- Age appropriate – if it says that it is not suitable for under 3s then take heed – the warning is there for a reason.
- Developmentally appropriate – just because your child is within the age range for the toy, it does not mean they are ready to play with it. If it is too challenging your child will quickly become frustrated and upset.
- The toys actions are easily predicted – kids love repetition and while you may be fed up of hearing Twinkle Twinkle every time your tot hugs her favorite plush toy, your little one will enjoy the predictability of it.
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