Do ’ s and Don ’ts for Buying Christmas Toys

It was a total Christmas fail. With great fanfare, my well-intentioned brother-in-law gave my 2.5 year old son a 2-foot tall robot for Christmas. It was jet black. It had red flashing eyes. It shot a ray gun with a rat-a-tat-tat. My brother-in-law was so excited when he pulled it from the box — but my son was terrified. He ran behind me and peered out at the thing, saying “No! No! No!” His favorite uncle was crushed. He thought he’d brought him the perfect toy. Before you run out to get the “It” toy of this year, before you fight crowds or travel 100 miles to score the “must have” of 2019, take a big step back. Most of those toys are a triumph of marketing. They show up on kids’ Christmas lists because they are advertised on every kids’ TV show, complete with animation gimmicks that make them seem more wonderful than they are. Often they are the kind of toy that is quickly forgotten by New Years. If you want to give the gifts that the children — and their parents — will appreciate most, consider these Do’s and Don’ts: Do Consider the age and stage of the child: My brother-in-law’s mistake was not in the buying of a robot, but in buying one for a 2.5 year old. If my son had been 8 years old, he would have loved it. If you’re unsure of what is appropriate for the child on your list, do an internet search for developmentally suitable toys. Consider the interests of the particular child: Contrary to TV ads, not every little boy want...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Children and Teens Holiday Coping Parenting Personal Christmas Family Gifts Holiday Season Source Type: blogs