CHILDREN’S TOYS SHOULD BE STRONG BUT ATTRACTIVE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 8, 10 March 1950, Page 3

CHILDREN’S TOYS SHOULD BE STRONG BUT ATTRACTIVE

In play, a child can be King of the. Castle and build up a sense of power and achievement; he can build up a sense of trust in life and be able to meet the trials and tribulations with courage and cheerfulness, as long as he’s given the chance to play properiy. In his fantasy life of play he can do all the things that he wishes to do—and all the things he’s not allowed to do in normal life, states the Department of Health.

In play, the child, can let his anger, his jealousies, his fears and his , miseries release themselves — and perhaps play themselves out. But that’s the more sombre side involved in playing. Given free rein with toys, playthings and materials which all kiddies just adore, they will not only amuse themselves for hours, but will also learn all sorts of things which will form part of their later intelligence. Leave Him Alone

The more a child is left to its own resources in play, the - better; even from one or two years of age. Let him find out for himself that blocks can be built up and knocked down —to get rid of his tantrum. Let him learn that the heavy block doesn’t balance well on top of small blocks. Let his blocks be gaily coloured with bold blues, greens, browns and yellows. Let his chalks and crayons and paints make as many silly squiggles and daubs as he likes—provided, of course, that he is made to clean off any encroachment on the floors or wallpaper. And when the day’s fun is over, make sure that his toys and playthings are put away neatly. None of his toys should be delicate, easily broken things such as abound in the shops. Otherwise he may get the idea that things are just made to be broken. Give the average child a nice big box of cotton reels and bits of wood—and forget him.