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Selecting
Children's Products
Dr. Toy's
Tips on Selecting Children's Products
As you
examine any potential children's product, before you purchase it, ask
yourself the following questions:
1.
Is the product appropriate now?
Does the product fit the child's age, skills and abilities?Will
it hold the child's interests?
2. Is the toy /product well -designed?
Is it safe? Are there any potential hazards such as sharp edges,
parts that can be swallowed, or loose ties? Is it non-toxic? Does
it meet Consumer Product Safety Standards? How durable is it? Will
it take rough treatment? Is there a guarantee on the product?
3. Is the toy or product appealing?
Is it something the child will enjoy using for a long time? Does
it have long lasting play value? Does it have versatility?
4. Does the toy offer an opportunity to stimulate creativity?
The right products in arts, crafts, hobbies, language, reading,
music, movement and drama can help to expand the child's imagination,
thinking and comprehension.
5. Does the toy match the package and the package match the toy?
If the toy does not match ads or package it can be disappointing.
Is age grading clear?
6. Will the product teach?
Does it help expand positive self-esteem, values, understanding,
cultural awareness, Does it help encourage the growth of self-esteem,
values, or cultural values offer practice in skills, eye hand coordination,
or fine and large motor skills? Does the product help teach communication
skills? Does it expand understanding of the environment, the community,
and world? Does it teach or practice computer skills?
7. Is the toy affordable?
Does the price match the value received?
8. Will the product frustrate or challenge the child?
Does the product offer an opportunity to think, learn something
new , practice or try something that will be beneficial? Or will it
be too difficult for the child to use. However, the product may be
perfect for doing an activity, a construction project, a craft, hobby,
or playing a game. Having fun together as a family is an important
part of the child's play experiences.
9. Will the toy help to nurture childhood?
Can the child use the product by themselves? Will it help them
gain independent skills? Does the product help the child express emotions,
experience care and concern for others, practice positive social interaction?
Is there any violence, sexism or negative aspect to the product?
10. Is the toy fun?
Most importantly will the child enjoy using the product? Will
it make him or her laugh? Relax? Feel good? Play is after all a time
to have fun. Learning is a lot easier and is more enduring if it's
fun!
Think
about these points:
1. What
does your child need now and what is he or she ready to play with?
2. The
right toy/product at the right price for the right reason will help
make your child realize more joy, wonder, and learning.
3. Give
your child a chance to tell you about the toys and products on their
wish list.
4. Consider
one of those fantasy products the child wants, even if you think its
silly. The child is only this age once. Even if we don't agree about
their choices, they need to learn to be responsible for decisions
they make as consumers. They are influenced a lot by what their friends
are playing with and by what they see on television.
5. Make
a point of examining the toys and products included on Dr. Toy's extensive
list of great new award winning products. Each one has extra value
of activity, creativity, or education built in and your child will
benefit.
Let's
Play!
Dr. Toy.
About Dr. Toy
Dr. Stevanne
Auerbach, known as "Dr. Toy," is an expert in play, toys,
children's products, education, parent education, child development,
child advocacy, child psychology, child care and special education.
She is a frequent speaker, consultant and spokesperson. She selects
and evaluates the newest and best toys and other products for the
annual feature " Dr. Toy's 100 Best Children's Products "
and provides other programs and resources year round.
You can visit Dr. Toy's website by going to www.drtoy.com.
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