Happy Families, Healthy Families
Toys that Do Nothing A gift-giving guide for your grandkids this holiday season
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s a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I frequent toy stores looking for the next amazing toy. As I wander the aisles I often find myself attracted to brightly-coloured electronic toys that make lots of noises, have all sorts of buttons or moving parts, and serve some ambiguous play function. If you have ever seen these toys, I’m sure you’ve also thought to yourself, “I wonder what this one does” as you look over the pictures on the box.
Caitlin Bittman is a pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist with Island Health. 14 GRAND
It’s so easy to get drawn in by these flashy and visually stimulating toys! They are, after all, designed to achieve this purpose. When choosing a toy for your grandchild, it’s natural to pick a flashy toy you think will get a big and excited reaction from your child, which is often a ‘busy’ electronic toy. However I have a different suggestion—get your loved one a toy that does nothing.
I know this sounds underwhelming, but allow me to explain! Simply put, my definition of a toy that does nothing is one that has no batteries and that easily allows for interactive and/or pretend play. This may sound boring, but it’s these kinds of toys that allow for the most creative and active play. After all, if the toy does nothing, then the child must do everything! Generally speaking “toys that do nothing” end up being more traditional toys, such as simple farm sets, dollhouses, play kitchens, blocks, or puppets. Combined with a willing play partner, these traditional toys support responsive interactions that help build children’s language, communication, and play skills. Think about the last time someone tried to talk to you while you were watching your favourite TV show or movie. Did it take several attempts before you noticed the other person? If they launched into a conversation (like my partner does!), did you catch everything that they said or did you need them to repeat themselves? Did you feel a little annoyed that someone was interrupting you? Do you think it would be easy to have an extended or meaningful conversation while the show was still playing? When we are absorbed in something that is both motivating and extremely stimulating, it can be difficult to share our attention. It’s the same with our grandkids playing with many of these “busy” toys! All the lights, sounds, and moving parts are appealing and are great at getting children’s attention, but they can also be attention hoarders, monopolizing the child’s attention and making it difficult for them to notice you in play.
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