4 Good Choices of Pretend Toys for Kids to Enhance Their Development
>> Friday, April 30, 2010
This is a guest post by Debra R. Dixon.
Playing with pretend toys is not only fun for kids but it can also be a means for their growth and development. Here are good choices of pretend toys: dolls and dollhouses, kids play kitchen, workshop play set, and a medical play set.
Play has always been an important part in a child’s development. It is through it that their imaginations can be expressed in a vivid manner, and it can actually develop their senses, way of thinking, values, and how they can go about different roles they’ll be portraying in the future. That is why most toys today are made in such a way that it enhances children’s development. Very good examples of educational toys are the pretend toys which not only develop a child’s social growth and cognitive skills but they also enhance his language skills as well. Below are examples:
Dolls and dollhouses
Dolls are a very popular pretend toy as well as the dollhouses that come with it. Children often like to mimic what their mothers or older women do in taking care of babies. Dolls and dollhouses are also excellent ways in teaching children close family ties and taking care of members in the family or society.
Kids play kitchen
Young children love to participate in various activities. They often would ask what you’re doing in the kitchen and much as possible tries it themselves. Kids play kitchen are just the right toys for your children. It will teach them basic household chores and responsibilities like washing the dishes, and even develop their interest in cooking or baking. Some of these play kitchens already comes with a counter, a grill or burner, an oven, ice maker, a few cupboards, cabinets, towel racks, refrigerator, storage spaces, and a sink just like a real kitchen would look like. Others also include some toy kitchen utensils like plates, cups, spoons and forks, knives, pans, and with toy foods like fruits, vegetables, and meat.
Workshop play set
The best way to enhance your child’s motor skills and interest in arts is by exposing them to various handcrafting activities. The workshop play set is just the perfect pretend toy to enhance their different abilities. This set will definitely develop their imagination to create new things and understand how things work. Most workshop play set already includes a table, a bench, and some materials and safe tools for building.
Medical play set
For kids, pretending to be a doctor would be fun especially when playing with friends or even with dolls. This play set includes a doctor costume and a handbag where all medical accessories are placed like a toy stethoscope or thermometer. This toy would teach kids about teamwork and leadership.
Don’t underestimate the power of a good toy in developing the minds and skills of your children. You may not know their toys may be an initial step of what they will become in the future.
I hope you found the guest post interesting. Kids can use anything for imaginative play really. My daughter likes it when I use my two fingers and pretend they are a person. She calls him Joe and it is one of her favorite games! What toys do your children like to pretend with?
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