Back to Basics Toys Better Than the Modern
Marvels?
One of the biggest debates in our society today is high-tech toys
versus back to basics toys. With all the gadgets and video games on
the market, many people are afraid that all the imagination is taken
out of the toys, whereas classic baby toys offer more opportunity
for the child to create their own games. On the other side of the
fence, supporters of the new technology say that children need to
get used to today's technology as soon as possible.
Back to basics toys can be loosely defined as any toy for which the
child's imagination brings the toy to life. Rather than walking,
talking and otherwise interacting with the child through
technological means, the toy is simply a vehicle through which the
child can act out his or her own fantasies. Child rearing experts
often refer to this type of toy as an "active" toy, as opposed to
the "passive" toys often sold today. Many parents and relatives
refer to back to basics toys as classic baby toys.
Examples of classic baby toys are many and varied. Building blocks
and ride-on toys have been around for generations. Any toy that
simulates household activities is classic and appropriate, such as a
toy cooking set, toy tools or toy shopping cart. Music making
devices such as toy pianos or guitars are also highly popular toys
that help spark the imagination and are considered back to basics
toys. Animal related toys such as play farms or animal sound
machines are also excellent classic baby toys. Some form of fort,
tunnel or other climbing and crawling spot is highly recommended as
well.
When selecting back to basics toys, it is wise to consider the
message that is being conveyed. For example, toy guns are highly
popular classics. Many parents feel that there is nothing wrong with
this, while others feel that toy guns send the message that gun
violence is acceptable. If you are buying the toy for a child that
is not your own, make sure that you get the parents' approval prior
to purchasing any violence-oriented toy.
Along the same lines, it has always been the tradition to purchase
baby boy gifts or baby girl gifts. Baby boy gifts fit the
traditional masculine profile, such as guns and trucks and hammers,
while baby girl gifts accentuated the traditional female roles with
dolls, cooking equipment and housekeeping toys. Many parents are now
against following those gender lines, eschewing baby boy gifts and
baby girl gifts in favor of more gender-neutral presents. Others
take the opposite approach, encouraging their boys to play with
traditional "girl toys" and daughters to play with "boy toys." When
purchasing baby gifts, be sure that you are sensitive to the
parents' wishes in this regard.
Some children will gravitate towards the high-tech toys and others
will prefer the back-to-basics toys. In the end, there is no right
or wrong choice, but it is a good idea to balance out the two
options. It is important for children to understand how our
technology works, but the imagination will eventually lead to more
technological advances.
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