The importance of toys

As they grow up, children have different needs; they change their clothes and their food. But one thing remains the same: their pleasure to play. Games make children become active and attentive. They stimulate their senses, make them curious and determine them to know the world.

In addition, games prepare children for the next lessons. It is estimated that, once the child has reached 5 years, 90% of his mental patterns are already formed. So the key is that children should earn as much as they are small.

When I play with David, I spend wonderful moments and, at the same time, I help him to learn as much as possible. Usually I choose toys which make him pleasure, which attract him. At his age, David prefers toys that produce sounds, have many colors and lights.

There are famous those toys which reproduce animal sounds or other sounds of nature. Equally interesting are those who help children to learn letters and words.

I have noticed that in the relationship of David with his toys there are certain stages:

1. In a first stage, he gets familiar with the new toy, he observes it, and sometimes he is even a bit afraid of it (especially the toys that make noise).

2. The next step is to try the new toy- he takes it in his hands and makes a research closely to know it better.

3. In this stage he decides if he likes the toy or not. If it's interesting enough for him, David will always play with it. If it isn’t, he will leave it and he won’t use it too often in his games. Thus, he has a few favorite toys-especially cars and other toys which are not so interesting to him.

How to cheer up your little guy

Sometimes, adults think it is useless to take into serious the changing moods of their children, considering that they will pass and then everything will be OK again. But it is not quite so. In fact, children need to be encouraged to express their feelings since the early ages because this will help them later. Here are some ways I use to cheer up my little boy, David:

1. I help him to express his feelings. The first step to cheer up little children is to determine them to externalize their feelings and thoughts. Often I challenge my son to give me a smile, by dancing or singing for him. He looks at me a little surprised and then…I get what I want – his precious smile.

2. I use to change the environment.  Specialists advise parents to change the environment where the child uses to stay, in order to change his or her state of mind. So, sometimes I take David to a total new place. For him, this seems to be a real adventure. He looks everywhere and he is amazed by all the things he meets.

3. I try to find the perfect gesture. Every child is unique, and each parent gets to know his/her reactions, preferences and sensitive points. Some children cheer up immediately when they hear a song, are kissed or tickled. Other toddlers get amused when they hear certain words, are told original nicknames or are surprised with a good joke. A good tip is also a story invented by you according to the situation that provoked the small grief. Another idea is to watch together cartoons and to comment on what's going on-the kids love it when adults try to comprehend the small pleasures. All we need to do is to find that special secret that works for our child and we will be able to cheer him/her up immediately! 

4. I propose a great activity

Maybe the most important thing we can do for the happiness and good moods of our child is to spend quality time with him, to offer all our attention to and propose to do a nice activity together, whether we are talking about a sport or a hobby. The company of his parents is more than enough to bring a smile: no toy, cake, play on your computer or modern phone will ever replace your presence.