It's definitely the one thing that Jakjak and I always (well, price-dependent almost-always) agree on. Usually much to mum's frustration. But how far along have we really gone when it comes to buying toys for our children? What criteria is there now that was not there when our parents were buying toys for us?
I, personally, did not have a whole lot of toys when I was Jakjak's age. Compared to how much he has got in his drawers now, I probably have less than half. That's not to say I did not like toys, I mean, every kid and 'kids at heart' has a soft spot for toys. I was no exception. What I lacked in toys back then, I made up for playing tag or hide-and-seek with my friends and neighbours. I also learned to be crafty and made my own toys way back when (ah yes, the faint memory of a G1 Optimus Prime made from cardboard and sticky tape - which transforms from truck to robot, mind you - all hand crafted!).
Today, the choices are endless. Even during his infant years, Jakjak's toys had been about choices. While there are hundreds of choices ranging from dirt cheap to obnoxiously expensive, old pre-owned to new old-stock, it all came down to our choice. There were toys that promised cognitive development and toys that promised honing of motor skills. Toys that promised improved IQ, and tpys that promised improved EQ. What we got for Jakjak was what we thought would be best for him at the time. He therefore grew up with a balanced array of motor skills, intellectual skills and emotional skills. Back in my day, I never would have thought of toys being educational. Granted, "sumpit" had taught me how to curse after the bruises in my arm, and I learned how to wince at pain when I fell off a tree playing hide-and-seek (if I screamed, I would have given away my hiding place).
This is still true today, about choices. We give Jakjak choices on the toys he wants to buy, and we pull him away from toys that are not suitable for his age. As a father, I have to admit that he would ask and be interested in toy guns and the like. But I also have a responsibility to him to teach him about the consequences of guns in the society. Some people may not give a crap about the effect of toys on a child, but I do. Remember that there is a term called "parental guidance is recommended"? Parents, that term was meant for you.
With choice, comes great responsibility. Or something like it. Part of the evolution of toys that we have to contend with today, is what it's made of. There's plastic, plastic and even more plastic. There are also the chemicals and toxins that are in the paint, the plastic, the metal and whatever it is the toy is made of. In fact, if you wanted your child to be safe from harmful chemicals, it's best not to buy him any toys at all. And then we have to accept that it's not exactly a viable option. I mean, a child without toys is like a grown up without toys. So go for toys that are right for his age and something he can grow up with. Go for wood instead of plastic. Less paint or in particluar, artificial color. And of course, nothing that can fit in his mouth (up until he is at the stage that he knows which is edible and which is not). As an added bonus, there are actually toys that dad can share with his son (oh the joy).
No comments:
Post a Comment