Now the festive season is on and shopping lists are also becoming longer. Children have an unending demand for newer toys and loving parents exhaust themselves buying expensive toys. But have you noticed that more often these toys end up gathering dust somewhere in the house. Sometimes a toy doesn’t last more than a week. The reason is that the child loses interest if there is nothing to nurture his/her imagination. All expensive battery-operated toys—like a car that runs with flashy lights and annoying siren or a robot that moves and fires—may fancy the child for a while but they don’t enhance any creative skills, hence they don’t engage the child beyond the initial delight. Parents often complain that such an expensive toy is wasted. It should be noted that price of the toy doesn’t put value in the toy. A child plays with the stimulating and involving toy, no matter how expensive or cheap it is. And no matter if it is not a ‘toy’ but a simple kitchen vessel.
Actually it is a better idea to make ‘toys’ at home! Parents should involve children in ‘creating’ their own toys with household items. This will surely enhance child’s imagination and also engage the child. Even atta can be used as clay which becomes real hard when dried up. Empty boxes and packaging cardboard can be used in many ways.
This also has a positive side-effect. When a child makes his/her own toy, it also creates an affectionate attachment with that toy. But remember, parents must supervise and guide the child during this.
It will be truly learning with fun!
