It rarely happens, but it happens. Sometimes some kids just don’t play with their toys as much as you would expect or at all. Naturally, this creates a bit of confusion and worry in their parents. Chances are it’s the parents’ fault.
It’s a simple mistake any parent can make. It’s actually a two-fold mistake.
It’s not a matter of how many toys your kids have. It’s whether or not the toys are the right ones, says dr. Christopher Willard to Romper.
“Kids need ‘mastery’ of their toys, not superficial relationships with as many possessions as possible,” Willard says. “You probably noticed early on in your child’s life that kids want the same books and games over and over again. The repetition might drive us adults crazy, but it’s actually critical for a child’s cognitive development.”
To put it in another way – less toys are better. “You’ve also likely witnessed how creative and engaged kids become when they have to invent new toys and games out of virtually nothing,” he says. “If necessity is the mother of invention, perhaps boredom is its father.”
Of course, it’s not easy to simply get the toys that get less attention and remove them. Kids won’t be happy about that. So, you can actually tell your kids that this is a good thing. “For example, ask which toys are lonely or which stuffed animals might be happier (and might bring happiness) in a new home,” he says. “Imagining the story of that toy’s next journey can help make the thank you and goodbye that much easier.”
As for choosing the right toys, watch and learn your kids’ preferences. If your child is more keen on outdoor activities, then suitable toys will be better for them. Or if your kid shows interest in arts and crafts you can get suitable toys, crayons, music toys, etc.
In short, cater the toys you choose for your kids better to their interests. Often parents think they can shape these interests of their kids by giving them certain toys. Instead, keep the number of toys low, change them up from time to time, but don’t expect that all of the toys will always enjoy the same attention.
