Children's toys from 18 months to 2 years.Create an environment where children can explore and play with various toys. This will avoid conflict and the child having to hear the word ‘No’ too often. If you live in an apartment without a garden, make regular visits to a playpark close by.This is normally the age when cupboard unpacking begins. Explaining how things work as we do our normal house chores is essential for learning: Even things such as washing machines and especially items that may be hot such as irons and toasters. Shape sorter: A children's toy that has and always will be a hit. Store the shapes inside the set to avoid losing pieces. Find a more complex one if you can at this age. Cds/cassettes/limited videos: If there is an audio library close to you, make use of it. Rent or buy, there are some wonderful stories that can be accessed. This is also a great idea for long car journeys. Blocks: Building towers to see how high you can get. Sandpit, sand, sand toys: Despite meaning they have to wash or bath and change clothes after each session, textures and physically feeling something natural are both very important. Buckets and spades will stimulate creativity as well as building activity. Colouring and thick crayons: Life and videos have introduced colour, shape and movement. Now its time to put that into practice. Have plenty of paper handy and don’t despair at the early efforts! Bath toys: Pouring water between containers. Learning which things float or sink. Big interlocking building blocks: Activity table: Learning to roll balls and snakes with playdough. Peg puzzles: Be sure to have a healthy snack and water at the ready if frustration sets in. Some may stick to their task longer than others Balls: Spatial relationships, co-ordination, muscle movement and strength: All of this from such a simple shaped object.Toys with fastenings: Buttons, zips and studs help sharpen the fine motor skills. Small jungle gym: Put the sandpit underneath for a soft landing and check the gym for stability. Ride-on pushbikes: Gross motor skills develop and energy is expended. Bible stories and prayer: The importance of spiritual growth cannot be overemphasised. And this age is old enough to begin. Books, visits to library, respecting books: Favourites are bound to come up but the thrill of seeing a big selection and variety opens the imagination for other types of books. Although older now, some early children's toys will still be favourites. Return to top 10 parenting tips |
Attention pays in the early days.
Children toys birth to 6 months
From birth to six months there are many things for both parents to enjoy in the bonding experience.
Moving towards one, life has just begun.
Children toys 6 to 12 months Exploration and rapid development take place at this age.
At one and a half I want to laugh.
Peek-a-boo, crawling, walking, unpacking cupboards. This age is full of repetition and jokes.
Now I'm approaching two, I need a clue.
18 months to 2 years. At this age your child will explore anything and everything. Their independence brings with it joy and challenge. Make the most of the time.
Two, three, four...I'm looking for more!
2 to 4 years. Real busybodies who observe and do what they see their parents do. The challenge is there to do it right and keep up!
Now I'm five I want to come alive.
5 to 6 years A real little person now. Boys test their strength against things. Girls are aware of pretty things.
Seven and eight, having fun is great.
7 to 8 years Sport and outings are coming to the fore. Children will begin to participate in group activities.
From nine to twelve, deeper and deeper I delve.
The character and personality are really showing now. Interests, likes and dislikes too.
Now I'm a teen I'm keen to be seen.
Those interesting teenage years have been entered with the rollercoaster unpredictability. As parents our early groundwork will pay off. Despite what your teen may say they need parental love and guidance just as much as at any other age.