Follow the Leader
Did you ever think that some toys can influence leadership qualities in children? We have been testing toys here at the Toy Tips Research Institute for close to 20 years and have noticed that over the last decade or so companies have done a really great job introducing toys that enhance character development. We have also seen many that don’t (scantily dressed dolls, super-violent videogames, musical toys with non-age appropriate musical lyrics, knock-offs).
Now, you can’t turn a child into a leader just by the toys he/she plays with but you can definitely stimulate those traits through play. Whether it is in the classroom or at home, playing board games, puzzles, sports toys or with age appropriate dolls and non-violent action figures, kids can emphasize skills such as taking turns, listening to opponents, speaking clearly, having patience and showing full concentration. This can quietly earn the respect of their playmates further enhancing those leadership qualities.
Skills that facilitate a child to do their best, share, work with others and to be responsible are important to overall growth and help to shape who a child becomes. Honesty, integrity, telling the truth and doing the right thing all contribute to teaching children needed skills for later in life.
Kids who show leadership qualities by age 10 probably have it in them to become a leader in life. It’s best for parents and teachers to notice this early on so they can motivate these kids to use these skills. This will give them an edge up to reach their potential. Sadly, not all born-leaders do. But, it’s best to notice and try.
For a list of character-based toys, visit toytips.com and follow our database functions to choose toys with character development skills. (You can choose by age)
Marianne
PS: Follow me on twitter.com/toytips
Raju commented:
That's his own way of saying, I don't like this toy! I want a dinfreeft one. Well, your job as the parent and toy provider is to tell him that if he does break the toy, he will not get a new one. If you don't put your foot down, the message he is receiving is that he will get a new toy. 5 years old is old enough to know better not to break toys. Even simple punishment is enough to stop him. (i.e. time out, taking all toys away for certain amount of time, etc )
Mousumi commented:
I tell my 4 year old daughter that if she can't treat her toys with rescept, that I wouldn't buy toys for her anymore, and instead I'd buy toys for kids who don't have any toys at the local shelter. She learned to be gentle with them real quickly! But, we do (after birthdays and Christmas) weed out the old toys she doesn't use anymore and take them to the Salvation Army. She loves the fact that other less-fourtunate kids can use her old toys. It's just the new ones she doesn't like sharing!!!
Luli commented:
Toys are always cool! Bet you had fun palying with some like a little one, well maybe you didn't play with any of them. If you were my husband though you'd have played with them.When I take him anywhere there is toys in the aisles and it has horns, sound effects or flashing lights he can click on, he does.Boys will be boys even if they grow up to be men.
Steve Reece commented:
Great article Marianne...Toys have such a positive par tto play in the development of Kids and their future paths. I blog about similiar topics on www.stevenreece.com
