In this era, the rush leads many parents to invest money in toys from which great benefits are not obtained. Others are too carried away by advertising and do not take into account factors as important as the safety of the products or whether they amuse, entertain and teach.
"Many times we are bombarded with advertising for certain toys that interest certain brands. But not the most advertised and the best-selling are the most suitable. The most demanded toys are not always the best on the market." This is explained by the psychologist and family therapist Alicia López, who indicates that before going to the shops, you should think about how many toys you want to buy, what type and which are the most appropriate according to age.
Thus, the gifts brought by either Santa Claus or Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar will be "more successful" and will enhance the spirit and intelligence of children. "Many times children are so small that you give them a toy and what they really like is the wrapping paper, the foam that surrounds the product or the box. And you think, I've spent a fortune for it to end up playing with the wrapping", she indicates.
Therefore, it is very important that the toy has a purpose, that of entertaining. "Not all toys entertain all children equally, because it depends on the development of each one of them. Each age requires a type of game, because playing for the child is like eating or sleeping. It influences their development and is a prevention for many things in adulthood. We have to take care of the game", explains López.
Another of the fundamental characteristics that the toy must have is that it is safe. "We have to look after the physical integrity of the children so that we can leave them playing without worrying. They must have the CE mark, which means that they comply with the safety regulations of the European Economic Community. This gives us some peace of mind, because we know that the game will not splinter, does not contain small parts, does not have toxins with which children can suck it", indicates the psychologist.
In certain establishments, where games are cheaper, this anagram is sometimes falsified. "This can be dangerous for children", warns the psychologist, who even proposes making toys for the youngest members of the house. "Now that we are in crisis, we have to sharpen our ingenuity. A baby needs nothing more than a bottle filled with oil with colored balls, for example."
In addition, Alicia López also explains that many parents believe that the "quantity of gifts is important". "Children do not have the capacity to entertain themselves with many toys. In fact, I recommend that they be dosed. Because sometimes they receive gifts at home from uncles, parents, grandparents... They can be dosed and given to them throughout the year. As we see that they get tired of one, we give them another. Otherwise, they are overwhelmed by so many toys and we don't make them happier for it", she indicates.
