Most children prefer to spend their days in front of a computer or video game console instead of going outside to play. Even infants and toddler have imitation tablets and laptops modeled after the adult versions. What most kids and parents do not realize is that some of the best games do not even require batteries, just a little bit of imagination.
Building Toys
Building toys such as Lego, wooden blocks and even train sets not only let children use their imagination, but also help develop their fine motor skills, problem solving abilities and in some cases use photographic examples to replicate the design. Younger children can enjoy putting together endless train tracks or building homes for their toys out of blocks, while older children can read and follow instructions in order to create their own twist on toys like Connectagons and 3D puzzles. Play dough and modeling clay are also good alternatives and can be replaced more easily and for a fraction of the cost.
Costumes
All kids enjoy dressing up, both boys and girls alike. Using costumes allow children to pretend to be animals, imaginary figures like fairies or monsters and ordinary people like doctors, policemen and firemen. While it may seem that the kids are just role playing, they are also using their imagination to act out skills they will later use in life such as getting dressed, interacting with ‘coworkers’ whether they be other children or just stuffed animals, as well as learning how to use tools of the trade like handcuffs, stethoscopes or cooking utensils.
Group Activities
Children need to learn to interact with other children. For kids who have never been away from home or only children, this is especially important. Playing with other youngsters teaches kids to share, take turns and pretend role play. Learning to be around other children not only makes the transition to preschool, day care or kindergarten easier, but they also learn other ways of imaginative play that they may not have practiced on their own.
The most important thing to remember is that some studies have shown that people who used their imagination more as children turned out to be more creative adults and performed better in problem solving situations. The newest, most high tech toy on the market does not necessarily mean that it is the best toy available. If it requires batteries or electricity, it probably requires less imagination too.
You will find so many toys to stimulate the imagination of your child right here at Baby Vegas.
