Most pediatricians in the medical profession today may not agree on a lot of things, but the one area they agree on is that of the best toys for kids.
As it turns out, the best toys that are geared towards healthy brain development are not surprisingly the opposite of what is considered trendy and as such very expensive.
Image: Ana White
Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, The American Association of Pediatricians, or AAP, has updated their previously released report on which toys give the most service to your child’s development years, and to no one’s shock, there are no internet screens or batteries required on the entire list.
In the updated guidelines, the theme is “the best toys go back to basics.” The important take away is that, although the toy aisles are filled to the brim with blinking lights, music, and video screens, it is best to go back to the basics—blocks, dolls, games, and yes, even the simple ball.
Humans and children are indeed in a constant phase of evolution. Somewhere along the way, it was assumed that the next best thing was the recommended toy for our children. However, this is never farther from the truth of the matter.
Many believe that by attaching the terms “digital” and “virtual” to a toy, that it is the best item for a child to interact with and learn from.
Image: MEtv
In actuality, the best toys are those that encourage both the parents and the child to partake in the playing, pretending, and interacting together. Many view the fact that when the child and the parents play together, that is where and when the magic truly begins.
Aleeya Healey, MD, FAAP, and lead author on the recently released guidelines stated in a press release:
“Research tells us that the best toys need not be flashy or expensive or come with an app. Simple, in this case, really is better.”