{"id":5603,"date":"2015-09-23T12:17:42","date_gmt":"2015-09-23T12:17:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/natural-organic-blog\/?p=5603"},"modified":"2019-02-21T11:27:45","modified_gmt":"2019-02-21T09:27:45","slug":"smart-play-choosing-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/smart-play-choosing-toys\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart Play: Choosing The Right Toys For Your Tots"},"content":{"rendered":"

It might look like a simple cardboard box to you; but in your little one\u2019s mind it\u2019s a fort, a race-car, a pirate ship, a hot air balloon, even a dress-up costume!<\/em><\/p>\n

Your child\u2019s imagination is boundless at a young age, and playtime is such an important way of harnessing that creativity and developing key skills. Toys and games are stepping stones that shape your kids\u2019 behaviour as they \u201cpractice growing up\u201d. That means every toy has the potential to enrich a child\u2019s play patterns.<\/p>\n

At Faithful to Nature, we\u2019re really proud of the beautifully crafted, eco-friendly toys and games we have available for your family. Here are a few key tips for parents (or grandparents, aunties and uncles) wondering how to choose the perfect playtime goodies!<\/p>\n

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QUALITY VS QUANTITY\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

When it comes to toys, less really is more. A smaller selection of cleverly designed, engaging toys and games win hands-down over a playroom piled high with fleeting distractions. With fewer toys, children typically learn to be more creative and resourceful, develop longer attention spans and become better at sharing. This article from Becoming Minimalist<\/a> goes into greater detail about the benefits of fewer toys, as well as makes for a really interesting read.<\/p>\n

TOYS VS TIME\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As a grown-up, your own \u201cplay patterns\u201d are important too. Remember that not even the prettiest, coolest or most engaging toy can match the value of spending quality time with your child. So switch off the TV or laptop; get down on the floor and explore the ins-and-outs of that new wooden puzzle; help your little one build the highest tower ever; or participate in that make-believe tea party. Playtime has the potential to be an amazing bonding and learning experience.<\/p>\n

WOOD VS PLASTIC\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Why are so many parents turning away from noisy gadgets and plastic contraptions, and embracing more classical \u201cold-school\u201d wooden toys? Sometimes, the old ways are the best…<\/p>\n