Toys That Do Nothing Healthy Families, Happy Families
Child, Youth & Family Public Health South Island Health Units Esquimalt Gulf Islands
250-519-5311 250-539-3099
(toll-free number for office in Saanichton)
Peninsula 250-544-2400 Saanich 250-519-5100 Saltspring Island 250-538-4880 Sooke 250-642-5464 Victoria 250-388-2200 West Shore 250-519-3490
Central Island Health Units Duncan Ladysmith Lake Cowichan Nanaimo Nanaimo Princess Royal Parksville/ Qualicum
250-709-3050 250-755-3342 250-749-6878 250-755-3342 250-755-3342
Port Alberni Tofino
250-731-1315 250-725-4020
250-947-8242
North Island Health Units Campbell River 250-850-2110 Courtenay 250-331-8520 Kyuquot Health Ctr 250-332-5289 ‘Namgis Health Ctr 250-974-5522 Port Hardy 250-902-6071
viha.ca/prevention_services/ 20 Island Grandparent
Gifts for Grandkids
A
s a pediatric speech-language pathologist, I frequent toy stores looking for the next amazing toy. As I wander the aisles I often find myself attracted to brightly-coloured electronic toys that make lots of noises, have all sorts of buttons or moving parts, and serve some ambiguous play function. If you have ever seen these toys, I’m sure you’ve also thought to yourself, “I wonder what this one does” as you look over the pictures on the box. It’s easy to get drawn in by these flashy and visually stimulating toys. They are, after all, designed to achieve this purpose. When you are searching for the perfect toy for your grandchild, it’s understandable why you might be tempted to grab one of these busy electronic toys. However, I have a different suggestion—get your grandchild a toy that does nothing. I know this sounds underwhelming, but allow me to explain. Simply put, my definition of a toy that does nothing is one that has no batteries and that easily allows for interactive and/or pretend play. This may sound boring, but it’s these kinds of toys that allow for the most creative and active play. After all, if the toy does nothing, then the child must do everything. Generally speaking, toys that do nothing seem to be more traditional toys, such as simple farm sets, dollhouses, play kitchens, blocks, or puppets. Combined with a willing play partner, these traditional toys support responsive interactions that help build children’s language, communication, and play skills. Think about the last time someone tried to talk to you while you were watching your
favourite TV show or movie. Did it take several attempts before you noticed the other person? If they launched into a conversation, did you catch everything that they said or did you need them to repeat themselves? Did you feel a little annoyed that someone was interrupting you? Do you think it would be easy to have an extended or meaningful conversation while the show was still playing?
Caitlin Bittman
CH ILD YO UTH & FA MI LY PUBLIC H E A LTH
When we are absorbed in something that is both motivating and stimulating, it can be difficult to share our attention. It is a similar situation with our children playing with many of these busy toys. All the lights, sounds, and moving parts are appealing and are great at getting children’s attention, but they can also be attention hoarders, monopolizing a child’s focus and making it difficult for them to notice you in play. Have you ever noticed how quiet children get when they become absorbed in high-tech toys? Likely that is because they are tuning out everything around them. To many, this may not seem like a big deal. After all, don’t we want our grandchildren to enjoy the toys we give them? All children should be able and expected to play on their own sometimes, however it is important to recognize all the benefits that come from active play with another person.