Toys play an important role in boosting a child's fundamental skills. Apart from that, toys also help in improving children's mental, physical, emotional and social skills.
However, parents often become disappointed at the speed at which children often lose interest in the costly toys that they purchase. So it is mandatory to take some precautions to ensure that the child uses the toy for a long time.
Dale Grubb, Baldwin Wallace University professor of psychology, has created an effective solution for this problem - BEST approach. Every letter in the word BEST intends to fulfill this mission:
* Build physical /intellectual skills
* Entertain
* Stimulate imagination
* Teach team centered play and socialization
According to Grubb, the toy should be unique, creative and funny to attract children's interest.
"Most people have experienced the heartbreak of gift failure. Often, it is because the item is too highly structured. When a toy is overly limited in its function, it fails to sustain a child's interest. To help prevent this scenario, ask yourself, 'what could the child do with this?'" he said in a news release.
Parents and caretakers can make the game or toy more interesting by playing with the child. It helps to promote child's socialization skills and support bonding.
"It's important for a child to be in an environment where creativity and learning are valued. Parents, family members, friends and caregivers need to be participants, too," Grubb added.
Another Professor Dr. Edwin Meyer from Baldwin Wallace University supports Grubb's philosophy.
"Any game or toy where you see a child sitting there trying to figure out the best move is a good one." Meyer said, adding that "Crayons, paints, modeling clay, among other materials, offer wonderful learning opportunities and foster dexterity."
