Feeling guilty you don’t have the money for high-cost tech toys for your little ones this Christmas? Don’t worry. You’re off the hook. According to a recent report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
The best toys for children five and under are old-fashioned hands-on playthings.
Not only do these toys spark imagination and creativity, but they can be enjoyed with parents, siblings, and friends, fostering one-on-one relating—skills that kids in this tech world need to learn.
According to Dr. Alan Mendelsohn, a co-author of the AAP report, many parents feel pressured by ads promoting tablet-based toys and games as educational and brain-stimulating. However, these claims are not backed up by science.
Parents mistakenly believe that “the toy that is best is the one that is the most expensive or has the most bells and whistles or is the most technologically sophisticated.”*
The educator in me has always steered clear of toys that talk, sing, or make noise. I want kids to use their imaginations—not have the work done for them. As more sophisticated tech toys have come along for this age group, I’ve added them to my no-buy list. And with good reason:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, studies suggest that “heavy use of electronic technology may interfere with children’s speech and language development, replace important playtime with parents, and lead to obesity.”*
So save your budget and your kids’ creativity. Hop online or pop over to the store and nab some blocks, Legos, coloring books, puzzles, dress-up clothes, dolls, action figures, and board games. You’ll be doing your kids and your budget a favor.
Be blessed today!
Karen
*AP News, https://apnews.com/c7b8164677ba477a96f6e855ee28b20e