Children want to explore the world around them. They seek to learn how everything around them works. Thus, they are curious to learn and explore new things. However, children are unaware that their curiosity can sometimes expose them to danger.
No matter how keen and careful parents are, they cannot protect their kids from everything. When children are denied the opportunity to play with certain items, they may throw tantrums. However, sometimes it is better to watch your kid throw a fit than see them get hurt.
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In this article, we will discuss some of the things children should not play with.
Some items that children should not play with.
1. Fire
Children can be curious about fire. Mostly, children may associate fire with celebrations such as blowing candles on birthday cake, toasting marshmallows, or fireworks. However, young kids do not understand the dangers of fires.
Most children play with fire in hidden places. Playing with matches or lighters in hidden places, such as under the bed, can cause serious fire accidents.
Therefore, your duty as a parent is to teach your kids that fire is dangerous. One way to prevent fire accidents is to teach your children about the dangers of playing with lighters and matches.
Also, keep matches and lighters out of their reach and encourage them to report to an adult every time they come across lighters.
2. Sharp objects
Sharp objects such as knives, razors, and arrows should be out of the reach of children. These objects can cause fatal injuries to kids. Also, kids can harm other kids with sharp objects and cause serious injuries.
Therefore, adults should keep these objects where children cannot reach them. Additionally, it is crucial to teach children safety measures and what they should do when they come across sharp objects.
3. Water
Children enjoy playing with water. Swimming and going down water slides are fun activities children can do with water. However, children should not be allowed to play with water without supervision.
Children playing with unsupervised water can be at risk of drowning. Therefore, teach your children to avoid playing near water bodies or ponds. This will help reduce the risks of drowning and other serious injuries.
4. Electrical appliances
Electricity poses a danger to children. It can cause severe burns, shock, and even death if not handled properly. Therefore, children should not play with electric sockets or appliances. Teach children about electricity safety to reduce risks.
Ensure that you baby-proof small appliances and switch them off when not in use. Also, teach your children not to stick fingers or objects into the electrical outlets.
Additionally, teach your children not to play near transformer boxes or power lines. Power lines usually transmit high voltages and can cause serious harm if touched.
5. Dirt
Children playing in the dirt are at risk of putting dirty hands in their mouths. However, playing in the dirt may have some benefits for children. The bacteria found in dirt may mainly benefit their bodies and help fight the bad bacteria.
Exposing children to all bacteria may also help strengthen their immune systems.
However, children should play with dirt under close supervision. Also, make certain that the dirt they play with is clean and that no animals or pets have access to it. Contact with animal feces and urine can be dangerous to children.
Let’s remember that play is important in the lives of children. Through play children acquire skills necessary for day to day living. The major question is how you should choose the best toys for your children.
Why should you encourage your children to play?
The following are the benefits of encouraging your kids to play:
- Playing helps your child’s brain and body develop.
- Some toys encourage imagination and creativity.
- It is a great way to interact with your children and strengthen your bond.
- Play promotes confidence and self-esteem in children
Factors to consider when choosing toys for your children:
1. Choose toys that are safe for use by children.
Choose toys appropriate for your child’s developmental level and age. Avoid toys with small, detachable parts for children below the age of 5 years. Ensure that the material used to make the toys is safe and non-toxic. Also, avoid toys with sharp corners to avoid injuring your child.
2. Buy toys they can use in various ways.
Open-ended toys inspire children to be imaginative and creative. These toys include balls, blocks, and puzzles. Building with blocks helps develop a child’s imagination.
Children can play with balls by throwing, kicking, or rolling. Thus, these activities promote a child’s imagination and creativity. Also, it enhances hand-eye coordination in children.
3. Choose toys that encourage your child to be imaginative.
Imaginative play is when a child uses their imagination to dramatize different scenarios. It includes experiences they have had or would like to have. The imaginative play toys encourage children to think creatively, understand cultures, and develop empathy.
Occupation toys, such as a chef’s kit, encourage creative play. A child familiar with the occupation it represents will love the toy.
4. Look for toys that encourage your child to be physically active.
Physical exercise is vital to children’s development. Such toys enhance children’s motor skills. These toys include:
- Ride-on toys such as bicycles, wagons, and tricycles help improve balance.
- Sports equipment such as adjustable basketball sets helps improve hand-eye coordination.
- Rockers such as rocking horses and rocking chairs promote imaginative play.
Additionally, these toys help the child’s physical development and help maintain a healthy weight.
5. Look for toys that cultivate parent or caregiver participation.
Interactive play between children and their parents cultivates relationships. Thus, such toys help children develop social skills and nurture empathy. Additionally, they help children understand others and their environment.
6. Look for durable toys.
Wooden toys are more durable than plastic toys. They can stand the test of time and pass from one generation to the next. Additionally, wood is non-toxic and unlikely to harm your child. However, with wooden toys, you need to keep them dry to prevent damage.
7. Look for toys that have educational value.
Toys with educational value engage children and help with brain stimulation. These toys help the child learn how to count, read, and even write. Thus, they combine fun and learning, which is beneficial to young children.
Conclusion
Play improves children’s cognitive, social, physical, and emotional health. You can encourage your children to play by getting the right toys. Therefore, they will learn about their environment safely. Also, you will reduce the risk of your child playing with harmful objects.