Why the Material of Your Children’s Toys Matters
A parent ultimately wants what’s best for their children, including giving them the best toys. And when perusing the toy department, they always gravitate toward the flashiest, brightest, and often the most expensive choices. Somewhere in all that sits a plainly packaged toy set, usually wooden, that may not appeal to them at first glance. Here’s why the material of your children’s toys matters and why you should consider giving less flashy toys a chance!
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The Advantage of Wooden Toys
One of the most significant advantages of wooden toys is staying in style. Wood is a natural material with an ageless timestamp. These toys have been in circulation for generations and show no signs of stopping. Generally, plastic toys change with trends and see replacement versions of something bigger and brighter.
Wooden toys are more durable and sustainable, making them better for the environment. The chances of your kids passing these on to their own children are high compared to their counterparts. Some of the best wooden toys for kids include block sets; however, you have to determine the best age to introduce blocks to your children.
Flashy Can Exhaust the Brain
If you feel overwhelmed when considering a toy, the chances are that the same effect will happen for your child. It’s challenging to say no to them and give in when they want something. But sometimes, there is a lesson in learning to say no and being firm in the boundary.
The more stimulating something is, the more exhausting it is on their developing brain. So consider investing in educational toys. This way, you can help create a balance and feel good about where you spend your toy fund. This can look like various things, from wooden to interactive toys and everything in between.
Plastics: Are They Bad?
Many plastics contain a form of BPA, a chemical called bisphenol A, along with things like vinyl (PCV) and phthalates. In addition to plastic toys not being necessarily the most eco-friendly, the chemical exposure from playing with these toys is something to think about. That said, there are ways to introduce safe plastics into your child’s toy box, and most packaging with safer products will come with a label stating “BPA-free” or “PVC-free.”
Beginning the conversation about why the material of your children’s toys matters can be challenging. As always, it’s imperative to remember that every parent is doing their best. Regardless of whether your child’s toys are plastic, wood, or sticks from outside, do what is best for your family!
