Modernity is often a pretty scary concept when we stop to really think about how much the world changes on a daily basis. For many of us it seems like only yesterday when Personal Computers were the next big thing in the home, together with the introduction of the Internet, which has become the source of possibly the fastest technological and informational advancements. We are often left to wonder what the future will hold for our children, and how will they benefit from these continual advancements.

As daunting as it can be, modernisation means that our children can truly benefit from the latest technological and academic advancements, which are typically backed by a healthy body or research making them better than ever before.

Most children’s toy companies have embraced modern technological advancements and the changes that these have caused in society to create interactive educational toys and games that utilise platforms such as PCs, gaming consoles and online activities. These platforms have enabled companies to reach children who spend more time in interaction with technology and devices than they do in traditional play.

Interactive toys, and play, are essential from as early as six months, and should include activities that encourage your child to grasp, probe, turn and roll. Electronic toys often take this interactivity to the next level. Depending on the developmental stage that the toy is aimed it this enhancement can involve a simple response to the press of a button or spatial movement of the toy, teaching a child more about cause and effect. More advanced learning toys can generate a dynamic effect dependent on a particular cause or action. These differences are important in the first year as a younger child might become bored with the dynamic response of more advanced learning toys, instead favouring repetitions of a single response. The power of our response as parents should not be underestimated as a compounding factor in the art of play. Positive responses from people, such as tone of voice, facial expressions and even body language can help to really cement the learning benefits of these learning toys.

Yet, while some companies have gone to lengths to creative intelligent electronic toys there many who still believe in the power of some of the classics and their ability to enhance a range of young skills. While these classical learning toys may seem outdated, their benefit for your child is still as strong as it was many years ago and have arguably played a substantial role in the more educated state of today’s society. Tasks such as stacking rings, teach a child important lessons about spatial relationships and eye-to-hand coordination while honing fine motor skills which enables one to perform precise spatial tasks.

These activities, while illustrating a fascination with the world around them, also illustrates the joy of mastery which a child starts to develop on the completion of complex tasks, and which is further enhanced by parental encouragement, affirmation and congratulations. Again, it is important to mention the social interaction from parents that can solidify skills that are acquired through playing with interactive toys.

Author Bio: Jenny Talorman is an amateur writer and mum with a passion for education through play. She enjoys educating people on a range of topics including; children’s toys and games, children’s issues and baking.

Category: Family Concerns
Keywords: kids, children, boys, kids toys, toys and games, playthings, outdoor fun, garden toys