Christmas 2022: these are the best gifts to stimulate learning in children, according to specialists in child clinical psychology

Giving away toys that develop creativity, stimulate communication and cooperation between children should be the main focus of parents this Christmas, says Dr. Maria Daniela Barzallo Paredes, clinical psychologist, specializing in child neuropsychology. To Barzallothe toys children surround themselves with influence their frustration management, facilitate self-knowledge and help develop their personal awareness.

So, what are those toys that can help strengthen the body, develop emotions and intelligence in children? On the one hand, Barzallo points out that they are those who achieve early stimulation. That is to say, toys that “allow the motor part to be exercised (legos or blocks), that promote gross and fine motor skills (symbolic play) and toys for activities with concrete material (stringing, assembling, disassembling)”.

More recommendations from the 36-year-old doctor include puppets or dolls to work on role-playing and toys that can be manipulated (stuffed toys or music devices).

Secondly, Arlex Arevalo, Clinical psychologist at the Clic Infantil comprehensive pedagogical center, located in Guayaquil, advises parents to focus on the “substantial aspects that they want to stimulate, such as hearing, vision or touch.” Some of her suggestions are books that highlight the sounds that animals make, and present textures, such as fabrics or granulated paper, that serve as a point of exploration.

But why give away these toys and not the most ‘popular of the year’? Although children can be given attractive and novel gifts, that does not imply that these are focused on their development. “Most people have the mistaken perception that the more elaborate a toy is, with lights and advanced technology, the better toy it will be. However, a simple toy allows the child to develop her creativity, ”he says. Barzallo.

In an interview with EL UNIVERSO, the specialists delve into the most common questions from parents regarding this topic:

Dr. Daniela Barzallo

Why is it important that children surround themselves with toys and games from a young age that help them be productive?

Games and toys are an essential part of a child’s life, as they develop motor, cognitive, language and socio-emotional skills. Through them, the child knows his environment, self-confidence is fostered, he learns to relate, stimulates learning, creativity and imagination are encouraged. Games and toys are a source of fun for the child, and at the same time allow them to experiment and discover a world of knowledge (shapes, shapes, colors, textures, and sizes).

What alternative do you suggest to stop the frequent use of screens?

It is important that parents know the development characteristics of each age, this helps to generate age-appropriate alternatives. So it will be very useful to do activities or games that involve movement, to explore, such as the game of the statue, to have quality time with the family, such as spending as much time as possible together. They can also perform games similar to everyday life, such as a toy broom, make kick boxing. With these activities we simultaneously stimulate the motor part, autonomy and independence.

What toys raise self-esteem in children?

When we talk about self-esteem in childhood, we refer to the value that a child feels or perceives of himself. Self-esteem can be boosted at home by reinforcing her strengths and abilities. Through daily interaction and play, adults can guide the child to play the games independently and experience the sense of achievement. The adult will help only when the child needs support. They can use puzzles and board games such as Jenga or Memory, as well as games in which the boy or girl can run, jump and practice all the possibilities that the body offers. The adult will provide positive reinforcement in relation to how the child is carrying out the activities, that is, the adult would be the mediator between the toy and the child.

Dr. Arlex Arevalo

What toys do you recommend to relieve stress in children?

This depends on each child, since what works to calm some ends up stressing others, so it is advisable to explore with the child what calms him down. It also varies according to age, they can be toys such as hand puppets, pop bubble and the same anti-stress balls.

How can learning areas be stimulated through games and what kind of games should they be?

Games that require the child to reason and seek problem solving for himself, so that little by little he polishes these skills through recreational playful activities, since this influences the increase in neural activity. Luxurious and expensive toys are not necessary, with material at home you can achieve the same purpose as long as it is non-toxic material, does not have edges or any other type of condition that is a danger to children. Again, all under supervision. An example of this is treasure hunting, which influences memory, logical thinking, and problem solving. There are also boards with numbers and letters of the alphabet, to which they have to find a sequential order.

What would be the ideal Christmas gift for the little ones in the house?

From my personal point of view, it depends on the intention of the gift. Some important aspects were previously mentioned, if you want to stimulate the mind of the little ones and what areas. Depending on the age, since each toy indicates it, there are activity cubes, so that they have to stack shapes, fit figures and move tiles from one side to another, stimulating fine and gross motor skills. (AND)