The Psychology of Toys and Their Role in Raising Children

It’s 10:30 PM, and I’ve just finished picking up all the toys in the living room. This is my routine, every single day. My living room is divided into two sections: the TV area and the play area. I’ve moved the couch to the center of the room, turning the back side into my son’s playground.

In this designated play area, I laid out a kiddy rug printed with streets, houses, and animals. There’s a ball pit, number mats, a storage bin for toys (with some inevitably spilling onto the floor), and a small stand for smaller toys. Additionally, a mini table was supposed to transition him from his feeding chair, but it remains one of the least used items in the area.

When he was younger, he confined most of his play to this section. The mess, though considerable, was at least contained. However, my son has recently discovered the front of the couch. He now brings his toys there, watches TV, climbs and runs on the couch, and rolls around on the carpet between the couch and TV. Consequently, my entire house has turned into one big play area. I barely have space to sit on my own couch.

Choosing to wake up to a clean and functional space every morning means I have no option but to clear out the living room and put the toys away at the end of each day. Sometimes, when the mess is too much, I clean up twice a day, in between naps. I know they say a messy home is a sign of a happy childhood, but behind every mess is a mom who cleans, clears, stores, organizes, and repeats. It really is a tedious job. We want clean homes but we also want our children to thrive in them.

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I’ve often thought about reducing the number of toys, but then I realize that my son knows all of his toys. He will look for a specific toy randomly when we have long forgotten about it and won’t stop crying until we find it. He knows each toy by name and every book he owns. On a good day, he will play with about 90 percent of his toys. You would know because you would be picking up all of them at the end of the day. These include books, flash cards, cars, and musical instruments.

It’s only when we understand that each toy helps a child learn the functions of specific items that we realize these toys and these ‘messes’ serve a bigger picture in our children’s cognitive skills and real-life application. Toys are not just objects of amusement; they are essential tools for development. Through play, children explore the world, develop motor skills, and learn problem-solving techniques. Toys like blocks and puzzles enhance spatial awareness and fine motor skills. Role-playing toys, like kitchen sets and dolls, foster creativity and social skills.

Research supports the idea that the variety of toys contributes to cognitive development. Exposure to different shapes, colors, and functionalities of toys helps children recognize patterns, develop language skills, and understand cause-and-effect relationships. Educational toys, like flashcards and interactive books, promote literacy and numeracy skills.

However, it’s crucial to strike a balance. While toys are beneficial, an overload can be overwhelming. Rotating toys, where some are stored away and then swapped out periodically, can keep the play experience fresh and manageable. This approach not only reduces daily cleanup but also reignites interest in ‘new’ toys.

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In conclusion, while the daily mess of toys can be exhausting, it’s a testament to a child’s growth and exploration. Embracing this chaos, understanding its importance, and finding strategies to manage it can help create a harmonious environment where both the child and the parents can thrive.