My daughter is two years old. I will be coming to the United States soon, and would like to know the best toys to purchase for a two year old.
Hong Kong
Toys are one of my favorite subjects. Play is a child’s work. A child’s joy in playing encourages her to engage in those activities that stimulate her growth and development — provided that this mechanism isn’t short-circuited by a steady stream of passive entertainment (something only likely in the past 40 years of human history). Activities such as television, or fancy toys that perform while she watches, can artificially satisfy her inborn desires both for play and for adult attention, thus robbing her of joy-filled opportunities for growth (in much the same way that processed, partially-hydrogenated snack foods can replace the magic of a ripe peach).
To find clues as to the best toys at any age, turn off the TV, put away the passive-play toys, and watch your child. Many kids will begin to play spontaneously, using whatever is at hand; take note of what they choose to play with. Others will be directionless or frustrated; interact with them playfully, and their choices will begin to emerge. Spontaneous play gives us important clues to the cutting edge of a child’s development.
Children put the most energy into newly emerging skills. Activities of moderate novelty tend to be the most interesting and the most fun. Once a child has mastered something, she will want to repeat it to wallow in her success, but eventually she will begin to grow bored, either changing the activity slightly to keep it interesting, or moving on to something else. Activities that are too new, too difficult, or too overwhelming will frustrate her and fail to hold her interest.
One of the joys of parenting is finding that zone of moderate challenge for your child, and setting up fun opportunities for her to teach herself through exploration and play.
With this in mind, here are some ideas that will provide hours of child-directed play for many two year olds:
Play is your daughter’s job. Toys are powerful tools. Nevertheless, don’t be lulled into the misconception that more is better. More toys, more lights, more sounds, and more money do not make for a happier or healthier child. Many studies have shown that even the most deprived environments are full of opportunities for play. If the toys are versatile, and someone is willing to play along, children with fewer toys will often experience even more delight and creativity. Children need safety, freedom, loving attention, and praise. They can often make their own toys.
Most parents have had the experience of giving their child expensive gifts, only to find the child more interested in the wrapping, the box, or some little party favor. Learn from this.
Often the best toys are made from wooden spoons, cardboard boxes, tubes, pots and pans, and other safe items that she ‘discovers’ around the house. As you observe her spontaneous play, you will begin to notice the leading edge of her development, and you can help seed her environment with items that will both delight and nourish her growing body and mind.
And don’t forget to play along with her. Play is an important part of a parent’s growth as well.