Posted ByEugeneWe’ve written about the importance of play for young children and how it helps them develop into happy, healthy adults. But what if you’re struggling to find the right toys? What’s a parent to do when he or she doesn’t feel like they have enough time for reading, imaginative play, or activities that involve building blocks, legos, etc.? Or maybe you just want an activity that will keep everyone busy while you get some work done on your laptop.
Sensory toys can be incredibly useful in filling these gaps in a child’s development and they come in different forms. They can be physical ones (like puzzle balls) or digital ones (like apps). They can also be educational and/or entertaining. I’ll share with you 6 reasons why getting kids sensory toys is essential for their overall development. You might think that you’re already buying plenty of toys, but there are many things out there that you may not know about.
- Sensory toys help kids develop cognitive skills
The brain develops at different ages throughout childhood. It starts off as a sponge where new experiences soak up knowledge. This is called synesthesia and this process happens through all kinds of learning. A child who has never heard of a certain word before will learn the word because of repeated exposure. The same goes for visual and auditory stimulation. When we hear something, our brains create neural pathways that allow us to recognize the sounds. If we only hear the sound once, then it won’t register. The same goes for images and objects. As a result, we need constant sensory input to stay alert and aware of the world around us. These types of toys stimulate the senses, so they can help kids reach their full potential.
A person who will make use of the sensory toys will help in providing the cognitive skills to the people. A person can plan to achieve the gaols in the future. The only things that matters for the people are to make good returns. A person can make use of the stim toys that will help in achieving the goals.
- Sensory toys are excellent tools for developing motor skills
When we talk about motor skills here, we’re referring to the physical movements needed to complete tasks. We need our bodies to move and use our muscles to perform tasks. Children with autism spectrum disorder often struggle with this part of their development. Some kids with autism don’t understand language well and they often have trouble comprehending concepts such as cause and effect. So, they may not understand that if they jump from one place to another, they might fall down and hurt themselves. That’s why it’s important to give your kid plenty of opportunities to try various actions.
- Sensory toys are great for encouraging socialization
When a child uses toys to interact with others, he or she learns that people are different and they have unique personalities. For example, a child who loves cars will probably spend more time with his car than with other toys. He will notice that cars drive and cars talk. Kids of all ages will benefit from toys that encourage interaction with others.
- Sensory toys increase a child’s awareness of the environment
Children are constantly bombarded by information every day. Through TV, radio, magazines, billboards, and ads, children are exposed to tons of new things. Unfortunately, this can lead to problems. One area of concern is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents often complain that their children have too much stuff going on in their heads and they can’t focus on anything else. The solution to this problem is simple: limit the amount of stimuli that enter their brains.
- Sensory toys teach kids about space
Spatial relationships matter. They show us which way is up and which way is down. They teach us about distance and size. They help us distinguish between two-dimensional pictures and three-dimensional reality. And spatial awareness helps us navigate the world around us.
- Sensory toys teach kids about time
Time passes slower for younger kids. In fact, there’s even a term for it: “infantile amnesia.” Infants forget everything within 24 hours after birth. But as we grow older, our memory becomes better equipped to remember past events. And we learn to plan ahead. There are other factors that determine how fast time passes. But we still need to remind ourselves that time does go by faster as we age. Toys that help us remember the passage of time are especially helpful.
So, if you’re looking for ways to engage your kids, consider getting them a sensory toy instead of a traditional toy. The benefits far outweigh any downsides. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about a messy floor or a loud toddler screaming in the background. And best of all, you’ll be doing your part to make sure your little one is ready for kindergarten.