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Wednesday, November 13, 2002

By Karen MacPherson, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Choosing the right toy for your child can be a challenge. But the choice is important because toys are the tools used by children in their "work" of play.

To help you choose well this holiday season, here are some tips from child development experts:

Before going out to shop, take a few minutes and think about your child and the kinds of things he or she really likes to do. It may seem obvious, but it really helps to keep in mind your child's interests and age. Otherwise, it's easy to be influenced by advertising and displays in toy stores into buying a toy that's not right for your child.

Just because a toy is "hot," doesn't mean it's a great, or even a good, plaything. Electronic toys, for example, often are considered "hot." But child development experts say electronic toys too often tamp down children's own creativity. Instead of a doll that says many different phrases, experts suggest you consider a non-electronic doll that can be "molded" by your child's creativity.

Also, remember that many electronic toys are repetitive and don't offer the kind of open-ended play that experts recommend. These toys often are cute, but how will you -- and your child, for that matter -- feel about the toy when it is doing the same thing for the 500th time?

Licensed toys, those based on TV shows, movies and books, often circumscribe children's creative play. Many of these toys have kids act out scenarios they've seen on the TV show or in the movie. As a result, the toys don't encourage children to come up with their own creative ways of using the playthings.

Unusual and different toys can be found more readily in specialty toy stores, those not associated with large chains. In addition, there are some wonderful catalogs that sell creative toys: "Back to Basics," "Hearthsong," "Mindware" and "Creativity Kids."

Some groups put out lists of "good" and "bad" toys each year that can be easily accessed via the Internet. One of these groups is TRUCE (Teachers Resisting Unhealthy Children's Entertainment). Its annual Toy Action Guide lists toys to avoid as well as alternatives that promote creative play. You can get the guide at: http://www.truceteachers.org.

Remember the classics. There are great classic toys for every age: infants (mobiles, rattles, stacking and nesting toys); toddlers (blocks, balls, play dough, toys and props for dramatic play); preschoolers (construction toys, puppets, puzzles, arts and crafts, outdoor play materials such as bats, chalk and bubble blowers); and school-agers (board games, science equipment such as magnets and a magnifying glass, weaving kits, miniature models, items for collections such as stamps, coins and sports cards, blank books).

Karen MacPherson can be reached at kmacpherson@nationalpress.com or 1-202-662-7075.