English
For adults, a toy is just an object, but for a child it can become a whole world. It is not just entertainment, but a learning tool, a friend, a protector and even a psychotherapist. What role do toys play in the life of the baby and why some of them become a real favourite?
A toy is…
1. The first teacher
With the help of toys, the child learns important skills:
– pyramids and cubes develop motor skills;
– dolls and cars help to learn social roles;
– constructors train logic and spatial thinking.
2. Friend and protector
A soft teddy bear or a battered doll often becomes ‘alive’ in a child’s imagination. He talks to them, shares secrets, and even fears for them if they are ‘sick’ or lost.
3. Means of self-expression
Through play, children play out their emotions and experiences. For example, if the baby is angry, he can ‘punish’ the toy, and if he is sad – to put it to ‘sleep’, carefully covering it with a scarf.
4. Object of affection
Many children have a special toy without which it is difficult to fall asleep or go on a trip. This is not a whim, but a need for stability – a familiar object gives a sense of security.
Why does a child choose a ‘favourite’ toy?
Most often it is the one that:
– appeared at an important moment (a birthday present, the first soft toy in the cot);
– is pleasant to the touch (soft, with a smooth surface);
– is associated with comfort (it is given before bedtime or taken to kindergarten to calm down).
Sometimes children become so attached to a toy that they refuse to change it for a new one, even if the old one is already worn out. This is normal – this is how the emotional bond is manifested.
How should parents treat the ‘friendship’ of a child with a toy?
– Do not ridicule. For a baby it is serious, and phrases like ‘You are already big to fiddle with a plush bunny!’ can hurt.
– Don’t throw it away without consent. If a toy is broken, it is better to offer to ‘fix’ it, rather than get rid of it secretly.
– Use in education. Through the game you can gently correct behaviour: ‘Bear is also afraid of the dark, but he is brave – let’s go to sleep with him!’.
Conclusion
A toy for a child is not just a thing, but an important element of his development and emotional world. A favourite teddy bear or doll can become a support in stressful situations, help to express feelings and even gain confidence. That’s why it’s worth respecting children’s attachments – after all, once upon a time, for us ourselves, some tattered plush friend was the most important thing in the world. Does your child have a special toy? How does he or she interact with it? Share your stories!
