As a parent, one of your duties is to encourage your child to play with toys. Thankfully, the toy industry has produced a wide variety of options for kids of both sexes. Computer games, video games, gaming consoles, and more fall under this category.
Video Game Systems
There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a gaming console for a youngster, whether it's the first one or an update to one they already own. A kid-friendly console with parental settings, a large selection of games, and the option to play with others are all important features.
In the 1970s, the first video game systems appeared. There were just a handful of games that could be played on the first consoles. They were often coin-operated amusements.
One of the finest parts about a new console is usually how easy it is to get your hands on and get set up. The system itself is normally indestructible right out of the box, but the controllers may wear out over time and need to be replaced. The good news is that replacement controllers are reasonably priced.
Although there are games included with the system, most children today choose to play them online. Subscription services are often provided at no cost on Internet-enabled game consoles. Games can be downloaded via a digital shop that is part of these services. Supported games can have their save data uploaded to the cloud and accessed using user identification services.
Video Games and Computers
Video and computer games are increasingly popular among American youth. In fact, the total revenue generated by video games has surpassed that of DVDs and movies. And its growth is outpacing that of more established sports.
Recent research suggests that 66% of American youths identify as gamers. Also, males are disproportionately represented among gamers. More often than not, boys will play video games with others.
Several different factors attract young people to video games. The combination of solitude and originality is a contributing factor. Furthermore, kids may hide from their parents while playing video games. These can be useful for practicing dexterity and encouraging creative problem solving. They may also be used to educate students how to solve problems.
Video games are not only a fun method to meet new people but also include creative and innovative features. Researchers have shown that 72% of all adolescent video game players play with others. Furthermore, having the option to play online expands one's social circle.
Toys Marketed to Specific Genders
Gender-typed toys are still widely available in today's culture, despite the rise of gender-neutral options. There is still a risk that gendered toys will encourage youngsters to act in ways that are stereotypical for their gender.
When it comes to teaching their children about gender roles, parents play a crucial role. Their opinions on the appeal of certain toys are instructive. Numerous research have discovered that parental approval of gendered toys is correlated with parents' views on gender roles. Parents who had more conventional views of gender roles were more likely to approve of products marketed for a certain gender. Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant difference between parents of males and daughters in their evaluations of the attractiveness of toys.
Toy color was shown to be the most influential element in a prior study categorizing toys by gender. Pink is a feminine hue, while blue is more commonly associated with males. The color of a toy can serve as a proxy for a gender designation. Parents can prevent their children from making the aforementioned association by giving them toys in non-stereotypical hues.
The survey employed a gendered classification of toys to gauge parental attitudes. The survey assessed parents' familiarity with and reactions to gender-specific playthings.
Methods for Encouraging Toy Play
It might be challenging to get your kid to play with toys. Toy companies typically aim their products at youngsters with a certain play style in mind. Toys should be selected with consideration for the child's age and interests.
Toys with several possible uses are ideal for fostering imagination and problem solving. It's a great way to hone your reasoning, creativity, and gross-motor abilities. Several commonplace items may be fun and creative playthings for kids.
"Closed" toys are often electronic ones with batteries and lights. These playthings have a short shelf life since kids tend to tire of them quickly. Little children may find this unsettling. Moreover, it may cause children to play less.
There are some toys that shouldn't be given to kids. Dolls that look like adults and toy guns fall into this category. These toys have the potential to be used violently and to frighten other kids. It's the responsibility of parents to keep an eye out for potentially dangerous toys.
Have a conversation with your kid about their toy weapons if they have one. Share your family's philosophy. You should also observe how your youngster plays with the item. Some kids could use it as a symbol instead of a weapon.
