Choosing the right toys for your kids' development

Toys don’t just keep the kids busy. There’s an important connection between toys and child development; how they play counts for a lot.

It isn't always easy to choose from all the child-development toys on the market. However, one thing is certain: it’s much nicer to give a child a toy that matches his or her skills and interests.

• From zero to six months, babies are discovering their environment. A hanging mobile above the bed is the first toy that can help stimulate them.
• From one to two years old, babies enjoy games involving actions such as pulling, pushing, rolling and stacking. They especially enjoy large blocks that they can stack.
• From three years of age, their learning ability is ripe for social encounters. This is the time for small, simple board games.
• At age six, children can solve certain problems by reasoning and are able to play games with more complex rules.

Toys and child development are inseparable. It’s better to favour the quality of the toy rather than the quantity. A well-chosen toy gives pleasure and contributes to your children’s development. They should have access to a variety, so that all aspects of the personality are stimulated.

The best toys are those that provide several game options or that leave room for the imagination. Most important, however, is for the game to remain a source of pleasure.

If you take a few minutes to observe children playing, it’s easy to understand that toys are an important role in their development. At one moment, your child might be a parent taking care of a baby, and a minute later she is a brave firefighter extinguishing imaginary flames.

Your child plays a role in the story he makes up along the way, and he’s doing a lot of learning while he’s at it. He's developing motor skills by manipulating the objects required for the game, resourcefulness by building a house with cushions, language, by describing the adventures, and social skills by helping friends.

It’s fun and interesting, as an adult, to get caught up in the game and to make fun discoveries alongside your child. Crafting, for example, allows parents and children to combine their imagination and their creativity. It’s also an extraordinary opportunity for communication. So, what are you waiting for to start playing?