Category: Well-Being

Autumn’s arrival often stirs a mix of excitement and apprehension for parents of sensory-sensitive children. While the season promises cozy sweaters and pumpkin-flavored treats, it also brings challenges — how can we ensure our kids enjoy fall’s beauty without feeling overwhelmed?

If this resonates with you, here are five sensory-friendly fall adventures that cater to your child’s unique needs, ensuring a memorable season for the whole family.

1. Nature Walks

Nature walks are an immersive experience, allowing children to engage directly with the environment. For sensory-sensitive children, this direct interaction can be both therapeutic and enlightening.

The sensory benefits of nature walks are manifold. The rustling of leaves, birds chirping and the scent of fresh earth can be calming for many children, especially those with sensory sensitivities. Exposure to nature can reduce stress and enhance mood, making it especially beneficial for sensory-sensitive children.

When planning a nature walk, it’s essential to select a path that’s both safe and accommodating. Wide paths, for instance, are wheelchair-friendly and provide ample space for children to explore without feeling confined.

If a child becomes overwhelmed by a particular sensory input, having a quiet spot to retreat can be invaluable. This could be a designated quiet area in a park or even the family car.

2. Pumpkin Patch Visit

A pumpkin patch is a sensory playground. The tactile sensation of the pumpkins’ rough skin, the earthy smell of the soil and the visual spectacle of varying shades of orange and green can be a treat for many children. However, for sensory-sensitive kids, this experience can be a double-edged sword.

Children with sensory sensitivities often experience heightened or reduced sensitivity to stimuli. These challenges can make seemingly simple activities, like a visit to a pumpkin patch, a potential source of discomfort or distress.

Your approach to these activities, as with many aspects of parenting, can significantly influence your child’s experience. For instance, an authoritative parenting style, which combines rules with warmth and flexibility, can be particularly effective. This approach involves setting clear expectations while also being responsive to a child’s needs.

Whatever parenting style you have, it is advisable to visit the pumpkin patch during off-peak hours, preferably on weekdays or early mornings during weekends, to reduce the chances of sensory overload caused by crowds.

Before your visit, talk to your child about what to expect. Discuss the sights, sounds and activities they might encounter. This can help them mentally prepare and reduce anxiety.

Consider bringing noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys or other sensory tools that your child finds calming.

3. Leaf Piles Dive

The rustling of leaves underfoot, the vibrant red, orange and yellow hues, and the sheer joy of a leafy descent are the hallmarks of a classic fall activity.

Jumping into a pile of leaves is a rite of passage for many children and a sensory delight. The tactile sensation of leaves against the skin, combined with the auditory pleasure of their crunch, offers a unique sensory experience.

Engaging in outdoor activities, like playing in leaf piles, can enhance children’s sensory development and cognitive function. Children who regularly play outdoors have better motor skills, spatial awareness and even improved concentration.

But, if your child is new to the activity, let them approach the leaf pile at their own pace. They might prefer to touch and play with the leaves before jumping in.

Watch for any signs of discomfort or overstimulation. If your child seems hesitant or anxious, take a break and try again another day. Children may not always verbalize their feelings, making it essential for parents to recognize their signs of distress.

After the activity, talk to your child about their experience. This can provide insights into their feelings and preferences, helping you plan better for future adventures.

4. Apple Picking

Apple picking can be therapeutic for children, especially those who are sensory-sensitive. Orchards present a unique environment where children can engage with nature directly.

This sensory-rich activity can help improve motor skills, enhance learning and even boost emotional regulation in children, especially those with sensory processing disorders.

To avoid overwhelming your child, consider visiting the orchard during off-peak hours. Allow your child to take the lead. Whether they want to pick apples, feel the bark or sit and observe, it’s essential to let them set the pace.

After apple picking, engage in activities that extend the experience. This could be baking an apple pie together or creating art with apple stamps.

5. DIY Fall Crafts

Arts and crafts are more than just creating something beautiful — it is also a unique opportunity to engage sensory-sensitive children in a controlled and enriching learning environment.

When children engage in DIY crafts, they express their creativity and develop fine motor skills, enhance cognitive abilities and boost their self-esteem. Engaging in art activities can enhance brain function in children, leading to improved academic performance.

Ensure the child is in a calm state before starting the craft activity. It is essential to set the right mood to make the experience enjoyable.

Let the child choose the craft to do to give them a sense of control and ownership over the activity. It is also important to always use non-toxic materials and ensure the crafting area is safe.

Lastly, praise the child for their efforts, no matter how small. This boosts their confidence and encourages them to try new things.

Planning an Unforgettable Autumn

Fall doesn’t have to be a season of sensory overload for your child. You can turn it into a sensory haven with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of planning.

From nature walks to DIY crafts, these activities offer more than just fun — they provide a platform for your child to learn, grow and, most importantly, feel comfortable in their own skin.

Together with your child, create crafts and lasting memories that both of you will cherish for years to come.

About the Author
Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find her in a yoga class, advocating for her children or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen!

Over the years, there has been an increasing prevalence of allergies in children. Last year, 27.32% of kids suffered from at least one of the three diagnosed allergic conditions: eczema, food allergies, allergic reactions to animals, and seasonal allergies. In some cases, allergies can be life-threatening.

This is why children need to learn more about their potential severity and how to help themselves or others with allergic conditions.

Here’s a parenting guide you can follow to raise allergy-smart kids who can identify the symptoms of different allergies and toxic reactions and know how to respond to them.

Understanding Allergies in Children

Allergic reactions happen when foreign bodies, which aren’t typically harmful, enter the body. These foreign bodies are called “allergens.” They trigger the immune system to respond, thus resulting in allergic reactions. There are different kinds of allergies, with food allergies and seasonal allergies being the most common.

Typical symptoms of most allergies include manageable ones like stomach aches and rashes. However, some dangerous reactions may also occur. One of the most life-threatening could be anaphylaxis or difficulty breathing. Early signs of allergies in kids include frequent rashes and hives, sneezing and coughing, and stomachache after eating a specific food.

Medications could vary in different ages. For instance, for babies, Dr. Talbot’s Infant Allergy Medicine – Relieving Allergies with Care is safe and effective. Additionally, kid-friendly formulations like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra are safe oral antihistamines for kids. However, before giving your child any medication, consult their doctor first.

Nurturing an Allergy-Smart Kid

To raise an allergy-smart kid, start educating them about allergies as early as possible. It’s important to use age-appropriate language when discussing allergies with your kids. For food allergies, you can talk to them about simple terms like “safe food” and “unsafe food” to eat. Label the food they are allergic to as “safe food” and the ones that trigger their allergies as “unsafe food.”

When talking to them, use “we” instead of “I” statements. For example: “This is how we take this medication.” You can also bring them to groceries and involve them in cooking meals so you can point out specific items that they shouldn’t eat.

Also, tell them to only accept food from trusted adults who know about their allergies and the safe food they can eat. Additionally, talk to them about their symptoms. Don’t instigate fear response to the symptoms and just describe them in clear terms. Don’t show them you’re anxious or stressed about their allergic reactions. Remember that kids may feel nervous when they observe the same feeling in their parents.

Of course, tell them what they can do if an allergic reaction arises. Teach them about taking medication or finding an adult if they feel sick. Moreover, you must also tell them about other people’s dietary needs, especially those with allergies. Tell them to ask if anyone has an allergy before offering a snack to their friends. Teach your kids empathy and respect for other allergy sufferers.

Protecting Sensitive Skin

Allergy awareness goes beyond food—it’s also about what touches your child’s skin. For kids with sensitive skin or fabric allergies, hypoallergenic clothing can make a big difference. These garments are made from natural, breathable materials that reduce the risk of irritation and allergic reactions. Choosing soft, dye-free fabrics helps create a more comfortable, itch-free day at school or play. It’s just one more way to support your child in feeling safe and confident in their everyday environment.

Image by master1305 on Freepik

Building a Safe Home Environment

Building a safe home environment means allergy-proofing your home. Here are some effective strategies you can follow:

• Improve air quality

Ensure the house is well-ventilated. This way, you can control the allergens in the air and avoid allergic reactions in the family. Instead of using regular filters for your air conditioning system, use HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters to prevent pollens, bacteria, and molds from recirculating in your space.

In addition, during pollen season, close the windows, doors, and other entry points in your homes to keep pollen and outside allergens out of your space. You can also use air purifiers and humidity controllers to avoid molds and other allergens that thrive in humid spots.

• Regularly clean your home

Set up a weekly cleaning routine for your rugs, carpets, mattresses, and upholsteries. You can hire professional cleaners to get the job done for you. Investing in vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters can also ensure dust-free areas in your home. Learning how to clean your mattress to reduce dust mites and other allergens that accumulate over time can also help provide a healthier space for your family. You can increase the frequency of cleaning during spring as tree pollen counts surge during this season.

• Control pet dander

Limit the spaces where your pets can enter. This way, your kids and other family members are less likely to develop pet allergies. You should also bathe your pets regularly to reduce the fur they shed.  A good option for kids with allergies is to select hypoallergenic cats and dogs.

Navigating School and Social Settings

You can tell school staff about their allergies if your kid is in school. Talk to the school nurse, teachers, and administrators. You should also prepare an allergy emergency kit that your kid can bring inside their bag. Besides the oral medication for kids with allergies, you can also include epinephrine, albuterol, H1 antihistamines, and H2 antihistamines in the emergency kit.

These medications can treat anaphylaxis if your kid or someone at school experiences difficulty breathing due to an allergy. Teach your kids how to self-administer age-appropriate medications so they know when and how to use them in an emergency. When dining out or traveling, always consider allergy-friendly restaurants and destinations.

Educating Extended Family and Caregivers

Get everyone in the family involved. Educate relatives, grandparents, and the babysitters. Give them clear guidelines on proper food handling. Also, teach them how to administer medications to your kids.

Takeaway

Your kid might feel isolated because of their condition. However, it’s important to note that 1 in 13 kids in the United States suffers from such conditions, specifically food allergies. As a parent, seek support from online communities where you can get information and advice on how to raise an allergy-smart kid. Within this group, you can also ask for restaurant recommendations and engage in discussions regarding allergies in kids.

Read about allergy treatments available at medical centers.

In the bustling mornings of a household, between sips of coffee and packing school lunches, there’s a poignant moment every parent recognizes. It’s that instant when our child, freshly coiffed, takes that final approving or disapproving glance in the mirror before heading out. It’s more than just about vanity.

It’s a snapshot of their evolving self-identity, magnified through the prism of their hairstyle choices. Remember, as parents, when we’d fuss about our own hair before a school event or date? That trepidation, pride, or even occasional insecurity we felt back then isn’t too different from what our children experience today.

Now, you might be thinking, “Really? Hairstyles?” But delve a bit deeper, and you’ll see it’s not just about the curls, the spikes, or the pigtails. It’s about the emotional undertow these styles carry – a mirror to their burgeoning self-worth, confidence, and personal expression in a world that’s ever-judgmental and yet, brimming with opportunities for affirmation.

In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, the significance of personal appearance and self-expression has undoubtedly amplified. However, as daunting as it sounds, we’re not just passive spectators in this evolving narrative. Through understanding, guidance, and just the right pinch of personal experience, we can help navigate our children toward positive self-expression and confidence, no matter what style they sport.

Historical and Psychological Connection of Hair

Our relationship with hair isn’t something new; it’s as old as civilization itself. It’s intertwined deeply with our identity and how we’re perceived by society, and this connection has remained strong through ages.

Historically, hair has been an emblem of one’s status, culture, and even societal roles. For instance, the long, elaborate hair styles of the aristocracy in various cultures signified their elite status, while simpler, functional hairstyles often indicated a working-class status. Even today, in many tribal cultures, specific “hairstyles for kids” are a rite of passage, marking critical milestones in their life journey.

Let’s bring this closer to home. Remember your first haircut? Or the time you decided to experiment with a funky color in your rebellious teen years? Those weren’t just whimsical decisions. In many ways, they were an expression of your growing identity, a testament to your evolving self in a world bustling with opinions and standards.

From an educator’s perspective, when a child chooses a particular hairstyle or resists a haircut, it’s not just about being trendy or stubborn. It’s a subtle declaration of their individuality. As renowned child psychologist Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad once said, “Personal grooming, including how we choose to style our hair, plays a pivotal role in the formation of a child’s identity. It’s a canvas they paint as they understand themselves and their place in the world.“

So, the next time your child insists on a certain hairstyle, before dismissing it as a fleeting trend, pause and consider. It might just be their way of telling you a little more about who they are and how they’re interpreting the world around them. By acknowledging and appreciating their choices, we’re not just talking about hair; we’re fostering a sense of self-worth, building their confidence, and, most importantly, letting them know they’re heard.

The Empowering ‘Ripple Effect’ of a Good Hair Day

We’ve all witnessed the magical transformation a good hair day can bring. That buoyant spring in our steps post a refreshing haircut or the quiet confidence radiating from nailing the perfect style. But in the vibrant, challenging world of our children, these ‘good hair days’ take on a whole new significance.

Imagine a canvas. Initially blank, devoid of any defining colors or patterns. Then, with a few brush strokes (or in this case, snips of scissors), the canvas begins to narrate a story, revealing its essence, charm, and personality. That’s the transformative power of a desirable hairstyle for our children. The hair may be the canvas, but the real story is in their brightened eyes, the higher chin, and that unmistakable aura of self-belief.

Having witnessed these firsthand, as a parent, the change is nothing short of astonishing. I remember taking my daughter for one of her first “big girl” haircuts in Denver. We walked into a reputable salon for kids haircuts Denver, one that had been recommended by numerous fellow parents. As she sat down, there was a hint of trepidation in her eyes. An hour later, she walked out, not just with a fresh haircut but with a newfound swagger. The way she carried herself, the way she interacted with the world around her – it was a metamorphosis, all thanks to a pair of scissors and skilled hands.

And it’s not just my evidence. I had the chance to chat with Jane Foster, a professional stylist at one of the leading spots for kids haircuts in Denver. Over a warm mug of coffee, she shared countless stories of kids walking into her salon, their shoulders slightly slouched, perhaps a bit reserved. But post the haircut, it was as if a switch had been flipped. “It’s more than just cutting and styling hair,” Jane remarked, “It’s about empowering these young souls, allowing them to see and express their inner beauty and confidence outwardly.“

The Flip Side: Bullying and Hairstyle Teasing

Just imagine the vibrant energy of a school playground, with children engaged in lively banter. Somewhere amidst the laughter and chaos, a child’s voice cuts through, pointedly making fun of another’s unique hair. That child, their head lowered, cheeks flushed, feels the weight of unwanted attention, and the undercurrents of shame and confusion.

We’ve all been there, haven’t we? I recall my own childhood, eager to sport a ‘bob cut’ that was the rage back in the day. The joy of flaunting it was short-lived when a few teased it as the ‘mop head’. Hair, as simple as it may seem, can be a profound marker of identity. And when that’s made fun of, the sting runs deep.

The reality is that our digital era amplifies these once playground-bound experiences. With social media platforms allowing for instant sharing and commentary, a mere hairdo can escalate from a personal choice to a public spectacle overnight. Such experiences can scar a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Understanding the Impact

When kids are teased or bullied for their hairstyles, it isn’t merely about the hair. It’s an attack on their individuality, creativity, and choices. Psychologically, repeated incidents can lead to:

1. Reduced Self-esteem: They may start doubting their worth, associating their value with external appearances.
2. Social Withdrawal: The child may avoid social situations or interactions, fearing more ridicule or judgment.
3. Anxiety and Depression: Chronic bullying can manifest into severe anxiety disorders or even depressive tendencies.

But here’s the silver lining. Just as deep as the scars can be, so can our collective efforts to heal and uplift.

Strategies to Combat and Heal

1. Open Conversations: As parents, it’s imperative to maintain open channels of communication. If your child seems disturbed after a fresh haircut or a new hairstyle, dig deeper. Understand the cause of their distress. Let them know they’re heard.
2. Celebrate Uniqueness: Together, browse through stories of famous personalities who’ve turned their unique hair styles into iconic trademarks. Reinforce the idea that individuality is a strength, not a weakness.
3. Equip Them with Responses: Arm your child with smart, non-aggressive comebacks. For instance, if someone comments, “Why’s your hair like that?”, they could respond with, “Because it’s unique, just like me!”
4. Professional Counseling: If the bullying is persistent and significantly impacts your child’s well-being, consider professional counseling. Trained therapists can offer specialized techniques to rebuild self-worth and resilience.

Supporting Kids in Their Hairstyle Choices

As parents, it’s astonishing how a simple hairstyle can become a profound window into our child’s soul and psyche. But before we jump to conclusions or hastily agree to that neon green streak your teenager is rooting for, let’s delve into the bedrock of understanding.

Adorable Curly Kid Getting Haircut

Understanding the Emotions behind Their Choice

When our kids experiment with hairstyles, especially ones that stand out like a vividly braided hairstyle, it’s more than just a fleeting whim. It’s an intricate tapestry of their evolving identity, influenced by peers, celebrities, and yes, that recent animated character they’re smitten by. As parents, recognizing that these choices often spring from a deep-seated need to fit in, stand out, or simply explore can be a game-changer. It’s like when I, as a teen, desperately wanted those big, 80’s bangs. Looking back, it wasn’t just about the style, but more about feeling seen and recognized.

The Ripple Effect of Genuine Compliments

An acquaintance of mine, Jenna, once shared an endearing story about her 7-year-old daughter, Mia. After a dedicated YouTube session, Mia attempted her first-ever braided hairstyle. Though the braids were uneven and a tad messy, Jenna’s genuine praise, “Look at you, hairstylist Mia! Those braids are truly creative!” resonated deeply. Weeks later, Mia gleamed with confidence at school, trying different kids braided hairstyles, and even assisting friends. Jenna realized that her earnest admiration had laid the groundwork for Mia’s boosted confidence.

Beyond Hair: Conversations about Self-worth and Image

Hair is just the tip of the iceberg. As parents, nurturing discussions about self-worth that transcend appearances is paramount. Initiate casual chats about role models, not just for their looks but for their character, resilience, and values. It’s these deeper dialogues that cement a child’s understanding of true self-worth. Remember, it’s not always about the style of the braid but the strength of the character behind it.

Communicating Effectively with Kids

I had a conversation with Dr. Elaine Foster, a child psychologist, who offered golden insights. She emphasized that active listening is key. Instead of dismissing their hairstyle choices, ask open-ended questions like, “What inspired this choice?” or “How does this style make you feel?” Such questions foster understanding, building bridges of communication.

Furthermore, she suggested the ‘mirror technique.’ When your child discusses their hairstyle preference, mirror their sentiments without judgment. For instance, if they say, “I think this braided hairstyle makes me look cool”, respond with, “So, you feel that this particular braid elevates your look. Let’s talk more about it.” This technique affirms their feelings and deepens your bond.

Hairstyles in the Digital Age: Social Media and Online Sharing

Let’s say it’s a Saturday morning, and your 10-year-old daughter excitedly approaches you, smartphone in hand. She’s just seen the latest “girl hairstyle” trend on TikTok, a cascade of intricate braids and pastel-colored streaks. “Mom/Dad, can we try this?” she pleads with those irresistible puppy-dog eyes.

Sounds familiar? Welcome to parenting in the digital age!

The Impact of TikTok and Instagram

TikTok and Instagram are not just platforms for dance challenges or mouthwatering recipes. They have become sources of style inspiration for children and teenagers. While we may fondly remember the days when we sought hairstyle ideas from magazines or admired our celebrities on TV todays younger generation looks to influencers, vloggers and their peers on media to get inspired for their daily hairdos.

These platforms offer an array of creativity from tutorials reminiscent of simpler times to bold and unconventional styles that defy societal norms. However, as you might expect, there are both negative aspects to consider here. While these apps can foster creativity and individual expression, they also expose users to the world of sharing, potential judgment and unfortunately certain risks.

Safety Is a Priority

As parents, we are always vigilant about our children’s safety. Therefore, while it’s wonderful that our kids can find inspiration and showcase their hairstyles online, it is vital to ensure that their experiences in the realm remain positive and secure.

Educate on Privacy Settings: Dive into the app settings with your child. Make sure their accounts are set to ‘private’, limiting who can view their content. This simple step can significantly decrease the risk of unwanted attention.

Engage in open conversations about the importance of thinking before posting. Would they feel comfortable if a family member, teacher, or future employer saw that content?

It might sound like a buzzkill, but it’s essential to discuss the possible dangers of oversharing online. From identity theft to cyberbullying, being informed is the first line of defense.

Tips for Parents: Steer Their Style Safely and Confidently

1. Kid-Friendly and Hygienic Salons

Remember your first haircut? The unfamiliarity of the place, the sharp scissors, the strange chair… It’s a mixed bag of excitement and nervousness. For our young ones, it’s no different. In fact, with the buzz of today’s digital age and the influx of choices, it can be downright overwhelming. And that’s why it’s imperative we do our homework.

Next time you’re thinking of getting those kids haircuts in Denver or anywhere else, spend some time researching. Look for salons that cater explicitly to children. These places not only have trained professionals who understand kids’ hair texture and growth patterns, but they’re also more patient and better equipped to handle the squirms and occasional meltdown. Read reviews, ask fellow parents, and even make a preliminary visit. A pro tip? Peek into their hygiene practices. Ensure they use freshly sanitized tools for every child. Because nothing says love like ensuring our child’s safety, right?

2. Styling at Home? Choose the Right Tools and Products

Styling your child’s hair at home can be both a joyous bonding activity and, let’s admit, a tad nerve-wracking. That little jar of hair gel might seem harmless, but have we ever paused to check its ingredients? And those hair elastics that magically disappear (I swear there’s an alternate universe just for them)? They should be snag-free to avoid breaking those tender locks.

For a first-hand tip, always opt for natural or organic hair products for kids. These are gentle on their scalp and devoid of harsh chemicals. If you’re using hair elastics, ensure they’re soft and free from metal clasps. As for tools, invest in a good-quality, kid-friendly hairbrush. It makes a world of difference in detangling without tears.

3. Let Kids Lead, While Parents Guide

And now, for my favorite piece of advice, borrowed from an educator’s diary but applied in a parent-to-parent heart-to-heart.

Allowing our children to lead doesn’t mean we relinquish control. It means we’re guiding them towards informed choices. Let them clip out hairstyles they love, paste them on a board, or create a digital inspiration folder—hair pins can be the perfect accessory to bring their favorite looks to life with ease and flair.  It not only gives them a sense of ownership but also opens up beautiful conversations around self-expression, confidence, and even internet safety if they’re searching online.

Wrap Up!

As we meander through the twists and turns (and braids!) of parenting, it’s these tools of understanding, genuine appreciation, and effective communication that make all the difference. Whether it’s a complex braided masterpiece or a simple ponytail, let’s support our kids with love, understanding, and the occasional hairband!

From the infant stage, babies start learning from their surroundings. The curiosity among children keeps them exploring things they see, hear, and touch. Toys help kids learn things in a better and more engaging way. Learning toys are great examples that aid in overall child development and stimulate essential life skills.

Educational or learning toys are designed to activate and enhance cognitive and physical milestones among kids. From pretend play, babies start imitating real-life activities and are given appropriate toys; they quickly learn motor, social, intellectual, emotional, and linguistic skills. Learning toys come in different forms, each for specific child development.

This guide focuses on the importance of learning toys, their kinds, and their benefits. So read along and pick the best learning toys for your children.

Contents

• Benefits of Learning Toys Designed for Child Development
• Develop Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Boost Concentration
• Promote Imagination
• Advance Problem Solving Abilities
• Encourage Creativity
• Ending Lines

Learning Toys – An Overview

Educational or learning toys are objects designed to stimulate kids’ senses to make them learn new things. Learning objects boost kids’ imaginations and motivate them to learn and explore basic life concepts through play.

Although toys are made to entertain kids, each toy teaches kids at least something. For instance, a musical toy boosts toddlers’ hearing sense and urges them to respond to different sounds. Kids may repeat the sound they hear or dance to the music as a response. Learning toys are available for every age, which is why it is vital to pick age-appropriate learning toys for your children.

5 Benefits of Learning Toys Designed for Child Development

Playing is fun, and learning toys make kids willingly participate in educational games and play. Learning toys help kids to observe and experiment while teaching them the cause and effect of their actions.

Here, we will mention five benefits of learning toys that effectively boost child development.

Develop Fine and Gross Motor Skills

From stimulating hand-eye coordination to encouraging kids for physical activities, toys play an important role in fine and gross motor skill development. Fine motor skills involve controlling hands and fingers to pick and handle objects. In comparison, gross motor skills trigger larger muscle movement.

While playing with toys, such as stacking toys, kids pick the objects with their hands and stack them carefully with the help of their vision or sight. This activity results in hand-eye coordination development. Similarly, the Montessori frame set is an excellent play and activity pack to develop gross motor skills among children.

Best Toys to Develop Fine and Gross Motor Skills

• Infants: Play Gym, Water Activity Mat
• Toddlers: Ride On Toy, Push n Pull Toys
• Preschoolers: Climbing sets, Mini Trampoline, Hand Puppets
• Juniors: Scooty, Bicycle
• Teens: Badminton or any other Sports Kit, Frisbee

Boost Concentration

A newborn is like a blank canvas, as infants have too much to learn and explore. Little do we know, but toys start playing their instructive role as soon as a child is at the infant stage.

Yes, you read it right.

You must have put or seen hanging toys on your baby’s cots or play gym.

Do you know what they do?

Hanging toys promote kids’ concentration, helping them to reach the milestone of one of the primary senses – sight. Babies concentrate on hanging toys’ movements, and their imaginations take them to the fantasy land.

Best Toys to Boost Concentration

• Infants: Nursery Mobile
• Toddlers: Ring Stack Toy
• Preschoolers: Puzzles, Blocks
• Juniors: Mechanical Toys, Construction Toys
• Teens: Science Toys, Board Games

Promote Imagination

Imagination is the happy place for children where anything can happen. In other words, imagination alone is enough for a child to play. To visualize this scenario, try giving your toddler a spoon and see them pretend to play with the common household object.

Learning toys boost children’s imaginative power by allowing them to think out of the box and let their imagery and fantasy drive the play.

Best Toys to Promote Imagination

• Infants: Textured Objects, Flashcards, Cloth Activity Book
• Toddlers: Play Sticks, Magnetic Tiles, Charades
• Preschoolers: Play Dough, Figurines
• Juniors: Kitchen Set, Doll House, Doctor Set
• Teens: K’nex, Legos

Advance Problem Solving Abilities

Cognitive abilities are learned in childhood but help us throughout our lives. Learning toys engage kids in logic and challenge their minds to solve a specific problem. Playing with a learning toy positively develops problem-solving skills among kids. And, as kids attentively take part in play, they don’t feel like being forced to solve a problem. Critical thinking practices increase the IQ of kids. Several researches have proved that kids with learned problem-solving skills perform better academically than those who never had played with educational toys.

Best Toys to Advance Problem-Solving Abilities

• Infants: Activity Boards
• Toddlers: Shape Sorting Toys, Color Cards
• Preschoolers: Phonics Toys, Writing Gadgets
• Juniors: Science Kit
• Teens: Crossword Puzzles, Tabletop Role Playing Games

Encourage Creativity

Creativity is the only element that keeps your thoughts fresh and alive. Creative play is the imagination out into action. It is also related to cognitive skills, as exploring ideas and applying those ideas for a better outcome of where they may be implemented is what creativity is all about. Learning toys makes kids creative. While playing, kids set their own rules and create strategies to win a game – here is when your child becomes a creative thinker.

Best Toys to Encourage Creativity

• Infants: Rattles, Colorful Mobiles
• Toddlers: Play-Doh, Kinetic Sand
• Preschoolers: Pretend Play Toys
• Juniors: Art and Craft
• Teens: Fort Kit, Costumes and Accessories

Ending Lines

Though learning is a basic human instinct, some help in learning would encourage motor and intellectual development – that’s where learning toys come into action. Accessibility is also important when playing at tables.  Children should be able to able to willingly participate and do not get tired. Even studies say that a child’s only profession is play. Kids engage in educational activities while playing with learning toys and enjoy problem-solving scenarios while reaching major mental and physical development milestones.

If you are a parent or a Montessori teacher, you must provide children with age-appropriate learning toys. Because if you give a toddler chess to play, what possible outcome would come?

Author Bio: Hadiya has expert-level knowledge about cyber security solutions as she has been writing online safety guides for more than 5 years. Her goal is to educate her readers about online safety in the best and the easiest way possible. Follow Hadiya on LinkedIn