How can toys aid the emotional development of a child?
The emotional development of children is equally important as physical and intellectual. It is essential because it helps children learn to express their emotions, distinguish them and handle various situations. Educational toys are valuable tools that aid in emotional development.
How to help children handle emotions?
- Communicate with children - communication is vital for understanding children’s emotions. Take an interest in children’s feelings and react positively and emphatically. Ask them how they feel and give them space for an open dialogue.
- Learn about emotions - teach children to differentiate and identify emotions using simple illustrations or toys.
- Model emotional intelligence - Children most often learn by what they see. Show them your abilities to handle emotions and how important it is to work with them. Offer them various methods of working with emotions.
- Refine creativity and art - creative activities such as painting, drawing, or modelling help children express their emotions.
- Have fun together - a fantastic way to develop emotional intelligence is fun. Play games together to create a safe and supportive environment for learning and growth.
- Be patient - Mastering one’s emotions takes a long time. Children will need time to acquire these abilities. Be patient and supportive.
Why are toys important in support of emotional development?
Toys do not represent only entertainment for children but also a valuable tool for emotional development. They allow children to experiment with various situations, solve problems and transfer their emotions onto objects. Besides these benefits, they also aid with:
- Empathy - toys that involve social interaction or cooperation help develop empathy, communication, and conflict resolution with peers. Examples include building sets or various multiplayer games.
- Emotion recognition - these games allow children to express emotions such as sadness, joy, or anger. Children can become aware of and understand their feelings through playing with figurines.
- Problem-solving - toys like building sets or puzzles help children train their skills and solve situations that may frustrate them.
- Personal rituals - children often need a specific type of routine and predictability. Toys can help create rituals that assist children in managing various situations. For example, playing with a particular toy before bedtime can be a soothing part of the day.
Can toys help with managing anger?
When selecting toys to assist children in managing periods of anger, it's essential to consider their age, personal interests, and needs. "Anger is one of the six basic emotions. It develops at an early age and is necessary for further healthy development. It is advisable for anger not to be suppressed but expressed appropriately. Children up to the age of 7 usually need the help of a relational figure to express anger and prevent it from being suppressed, which can affect proper emotional development. Often, play helps – reenacting battles between soldiers, play-fighting with a parent, or asserting their interests. The way a child uses it depends on their temperament. For some children, pushing figures into dynamic sand is enough to express anger, while others engage in a repetitive war. Sometimes, a simple story with this theme, can help," explained psychologist Anne Smith.
The psychologist also adds that it is up to the parent to assess the intensity and manifestations of anger accurately and set boundaries to help the child transform this emotion positively. This way, children will be better able to assert themselves and become more assertive.
Toys can be a great tool to support the emotional development of children, especially during periods of anger. Children can safely navigate and overcome these challenging moments with suitable toys. Remember that your support and playing with your children are crucial. Toys are just a tool that can help you build a deeper connection with your children and guide them in their emotional development.
