Appropriate toys for your kids (PART 4)

“Active” is an apt way to describe 12- to 18-month-old kids who like any game or toy—like  a ball, swing, or a tiny climbing set—that allows them to throw their whole self into it.

 During this period, most children are very interested in the consequences of their actions, asking questions like “What happens if I drop this ball?” or “What happens if I pull this lever?”  Because their memory is not yet well-developed, they do not tire of repetition. Toddlers also like to try what they see adults are doing, so they look for toys that imitate daily life.

 Here are some suggested toys your active and curious toddler will definitely enjoy:

 Large building bricks. These light cardboard bricks are big enough to stack up into a fort or wall, or any other way your toddler wants. But the most satisfying part of the process is the finale, when the walls come tumbling down.

 Push and pull toys. Heavily-weighted push toys can give your beginner something to lean to as he or she motors around your home. Wagons can be ideal. Pull toys are for slightly-advanced walkers who can look behind them as they move forward.

 Sorting and nesting toys. Toddlers love to sort, stack, unsort, unstack, and basically reorganize their lives. Sorting and nesting toys are great fun for those who are trying out their early problem-solving skills.

 Climbing gym. A tiny gym can give your toddler a safe place to climb, hide, slide, and practice all his or her emerging motor skills over and over again. But these sets can also be pricey and are quickly outgrown.

 Balls. Any ball that is easy to grasp will be a hit. Your toddler will have fun kicking, rolling, and throwing a ball. Stay away from foam balls that could end up as a mouthful.

 Washable crayons and paper. Let the scribbling begin! Hand your toddler a couple of crayons at a time—you don’t want to overwhelm him— and tape the paper to the floor so he can make his mark without dragging the paper along with him.

 Ride-on vehicles: This mode of self-locomotion may be even more popular than walking. Many small ride-on toys have models with handles for an adult to push when the child gets tired. Avoid electronic versions, they are expensive and take away the fun of getting around under one’s own power.

 Tool bench or toy kitchen. Junior fix-it kids or aspiring chefs will get hours of play out of plastic or wooden models scaled to their size. Sets like these give children a chance to emulate the things they see adults are doing, and they will continue to take interest for several months as their play gets more sophisticated.

Picture books: Your toddler will enjoy more advanced picture books showing familiar objects and activities. He or she may also start to take pride in his or her own library and the chance to pick out a favorite for you to read. (Source: http:age-appropriate toys.BabyCenter.mht)

The FREEMAN with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. is running weekly features on Early Childhood Care and Development to emphasize the importance of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) and to increase public support for ECCD. For comments or suggestions, e-mail [email protected].