As an expert in child development and education, I have seen firsthand the impact that toys can have on a child's growth and learning. That's why I am a strong advocate for wooden toys and believe that every child should have the opportunity to play with them. In this article, I will share with you the many benefits of wooden toys and why they are a better choice for your child than plastic toys.
Introduce Kids to Math and Physics
The original STEM toy, wooden blocks require dexterity, hand-eye coordination and tons of fine motor precision to stack and balance. They also support important math learning skills, such as pattern matching and recognition.By playing with wooden toys, children are not only having fun but also developing important cognitive skills that will benefit them in the long run.
Environmentally Friendly
Do you want to help save our environment? Generally speaking, wooden toys are more environmentally friendly than plastic because of their biodegradable nature and their ability to be recycled. Instead of filling landfills with artificial products, you can buy toys for your child that give back to the environment. Every time you give your child a wooden toy, you are participating in the salvation of our planet and passing these values on to your child.Wooden toys
are made from organic, renewable and sustainably sourced materials, making them a much greener option than plastic. In the UK alone, we produce around 5 million tons of plastic waste every year.While most of this comes from plastic bottles, plastic materials broken and wasted from other things such as toys make up a significant percentage. By choosing wooden toys, you are making a small but impactful contribution to reducing plastic waste.
Promotes Calm and Quiet Play
Research has shown that children experience quieter and more advantageous quality play through wooden toys than with any other material (such as plastic). Unlike plastic toys that often come with sound effects and flashing lights, wooden toys have no distractions. This allows children to focus on their play and encourages a calmer and more relaxed environment.As a result, you may find that your child is also calmer and more content when playing with wooden toys.
Safe and Durable
One of the biggest concerns for parents when it comes to toys is safety. With wooden toys, you can rest assured that your child is playing with a safe and durable product. Unlike plastic toys that may have sharp edges or small parts, wooden toys are usually made by skilled craftsmen who ensure that they are safe for children to play with. Additionally, wooden toys have a longer lifespan than plastic toys, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.Promotes Fine Motor Skills
Wooden toys are essential for the development of fine motor skills, which involve the coordination of small muscles and the synchronization of hands and fingers with the eyes.By playing with wooden toys, children are exercising their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination in a fun and engaging way. This is especially important in the early years when these skills are still developing.
Inspires Creativity and Imagination
One of the best things about wooden toys is their versatility and ability to activate a child's imagination. Unlike plastic toys that often have a specific purpose or function, wooden toys can be used in a variety of ways. This allows children to express their creativity and come up with new and imaginative ways to play with them.Additionally, wooden toys are timeless and have been staples in toy boxes for centuries, making them a great option for passing down to future generations.
Adaptable to Age and Interests
Another great aspect of wooden toys is that they can be adapted to the age and interests of the child. As children grow and develop, their play preferences may change. With wooden toys, you can easily repaint or varnish them without losing the quality or structure of the material. This means that wooden toys can grow with your child and continue to provide hours of fun and learning.A Sustainable Choice
By purchasing wooden toys made from sustainably sourced wood, you are not only helping the environment but also supporting ethical and responsible production practices.Additionally, wooden toys are colored with non-toxic pigments, making them a safe choice for children to play with.
