Parents always want what’s best for their children. Unfortunately, many are getting the message that if they don’t purchase an enormous amount of expensive educational toys, that their children won’t make the grade. The jury is still out on the benefits of educational toys, but experts do agree that going without special games won’t make your child stupid. If you’re unconvinced, look for free educational games or create your own games for children that stimulate learning.
Last year Americans spent nearly $1 billion on educational toys that promised to stimulate young brains. Although some experts believe that exposing children to letters, sounds and numbers at the earliest possible age is beneficial, it need not be done through expensive toys. Parents and teachers can create free educational games that fill the same need.
Other educators believe that the majority of educational toys focus on cramming facts into young children’s minds when they don’t necessarily need those facts. These so-called smart toys can take the play out of playtime and reduce children’s creativity. The one thing experts can agree on is that children do some of their most valuable learning when playing with other kids. So if you aren’t ready to shell out the big bucks for expensive educational toys, focus instead on playtime with other kids or develop your own free educational games.