Kids are adorable and playful. But they can also be loud, hyperactive and quite a handful. Plus, their attention span is relatively short, which means you need to think of various ways to keep them preoccupied.
And when you don’t have the luxury of time to spend with your kids, you can only rely on toys and other people so they can leave you alone enough for you to get things done. This is where you will find an ally in wooden jigsaw puzzles, blocks and other educational toys.
But do keep in mind that toys aren’t just for playing. There are a lot of benefits that kids get from playing puzzles and the like.
Effects of Educational Toys on Kids’ Minds
Having toys around is a lifesaver for parents. But it is important to note that the toys you give your children are what they actually want to play with, not just because they’re the only toys around.
And when you choose toys for your kids, remember that these are what your little ones are supposed to get from them.
- Develop problem-solving abilities.
- Enhance creativity and imagination.
- Improve executive functioning skills.
- Learn fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- Expand vocabulary and communication growth.
When you give your kids toys, you make them happy by giving them something to play with. You also help them develop their personality and skills.
Top 4 Toys to Give Kids
Toys are created to foster imagination and independence in children. And when they are used properly, your kids can gain so much more out of them.
Here are 4 of the best educational toys you can offer.
- Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles
There is no doubt about the fun that kids can get from playing with puzzles. But more than that, puzzles can help your child learn how to solve problems and develop patience, too.
You can start giving 4-piece puzzles to preschoolers and eventually increase the number of pieces to challenge them. This way, they won’t get bored, and their skills improve as they grow.
- Building Blocks
A set of building blocks is a classic toy for young children. With the different things that kids can create, their imagination will grow along with their creativity.
Plus, they learn how cause and effect work with every toppling of their tower blocks.
You might not know it, but you may be helping your young engineer reach his dreams.
- Modeling Clay
Much like building blocks, clay fosters children’s imaginations and encourages their creativity. It also helps them release energy and turn their emotions into something they can see and feel. And it improves focus, too.
However, if your child doesn’t like clay, a great alternative for it is kinetic sand.
- Role-Playing Games
Role-playing is a great way of boosting your child’s self-confidence and letting his imagination run free. For example, if he wants to be a superhero, give him a cape and a mask and let him save his stuffed animals.
What’s great about this game is that you don’t have to spend too much. You can easily find costumes around the house. A little DIY, and your child is ready to turn into his favourite superhero.
When you give your preschooler wooden jigsaw puzzles and some of the toys listed above, you can expect to find your child happily playing and gaining all the benefits that such toys can offer.
Thus, you do not only get the time you need to finish your tasks, but you also help your child become a better person – someone fit to face the challenges in life.
