Toys are your toddler’s best friend. From infancy to early childhood stage, playtime will always be the number one priority of any toddler and toys will always be your tot’s partner in crime. While these things may seem superficial, toys present to be an enjoyable means of preparing the young for life in human society. These toys also play a huge part in a tot’s emotional growth. Along with the aid of parents, nurturing a child’s emotions becomes effective.
Toddler emotional development can be attained through different things. Toys are one of them. With its versatile functions, a toddler’s life becomes fulfilled and healthy. However, take note that toys can only be useful when it is coupled with parental love. Here are some examples of toys that can successfully boost your toddler’s emotional growth.
Puppets
Puppets of any kind such as a sock, popsicle stick or toy puppet can easily generate abstract ideas in a child’s emotions. Not only will your toddler be imaginative in creating these toys but as well as get the value of compassion and respect. The next time you play with your toddler, try holding a puppet show. Your tot can pick out the characters or the story he wants. To make it more fun, make up your own stories out of your puppets. By doing so, it allows your child to feel that he is important therefore increasing his self-confidence. Also, puppet toys allow your toddler’s emotions to be stirred because of the different character portrayals. Your tot will begin to learn the importance of being kind, helpful and courteous.
Blocks
Blocks have always been one of the favorite toys of toddlers. Cognitive and motor skills are not the only toddler development areas that toy blocks can improve. Building blocks for example are a great way to make your child believe in his own capabilities and strengths. Notice how your child calls your attention when he has finished building up something? This is a normal reaction of any toddler. Your tot instantly feels good and satisfied with his work. The sense of accomplishment is so great that he gets eager and confident to create things.
Storybooks
Books are great toys for toddlers. These toys get your child to grow both mentally and emotionally. Read to your child every day, during day and night time. Books are excellent instruments for instilling your child different values. Also, books allow your child to respond letting his emotions open up. A villain character can make your child feel that doing bad does not bring any good while the protagonist can help mold him to become respectful and loving to others.
Teddy Bears
Toy figures are very important to toddlers and these toys serve as the first step towards letting your child know the importance of self-worth and family. You can try buying your child teddy bears and task him to take good care of it. Aside from that, these toys also bring a sense of comfort to your tot. Teddy bears are like a security blanket for most toddlers. These allow your toddler to find comfort during uneasy times. Hugging a teddy bear during his sleep can also banish his being afraid of the dark or of being alone.
Every toy has a distinct function for developing a child’s emotions. It helps him realize the value of being humble, responsible, giving, respectful, loving, and caring allowing him to slowly discover his identity. Self-worth is also boosted letting him be emotionally fit which in turn allows proper emotional development he can carry on to adulthood.