Christmas Toys With Play Value: Child Development Institute Posts Toy Recommendation List

Dr. Bob Myers of Child Development Institute has posted his list of top Christmas Toys to help parents with holiday shopping.

Orange, CA (PRWEB) December 5, 2005 Child psychologist Dr. Bob Myers of Child Development Institute announced the posting of his Top 10 List of Recommended Toys for Christmas at toys4growth.com. Actually, there are 4 lists, one for each major developmental stage. To make the list, toys must have play value which means they promote play that is engaging and fun while also developing language, creativity and problem solving skills.

According to Dr. Bob, “play that is imaginative and child directed not only improves intellectual and social functions but can result in enhanced brain development as well.” The website not only provides extensive lists of recommended toys, games, books, music and videos but also provides advice on toy and media selection, how to encourage and support productive play and guidelines for toy safety.

Dr. Myers cautions parents during the holiday buying spree to be aware that “some highly marketed toys may not have real play value.” He suggests limiting the number of electronic toys and games and focusing on the staples of play. Dolls, puppets, character play sets, cars, trucks are great for fantasy play. Art supplies, PlayDoh, blocks, Tinkertoys, Erector Sets, Legos encourage creativity. Don't forget outdoor toys like bikes, skates and sports equipment to encourage active play. Puzzles, board games and card games tap knowledge and strategy.

Every year parents complain about expensive toy purchases that end up at the bottom of the toy chest for ever in just a day or two. Dr. Bob says, “buying the right toy can lead to hours of productive play sometimes for years. Many of today's toys are passive and direct play through an onboard computer. This is like giving kids junk food instead of nutritional meals.”

Toys with real play value keep on giving by way of new adventures and discoveries in each play session along with the development of creativity and problem solving skills to last a lifetime.

The toys4growth.com website was launched by Child Development Institute in 2004 and guides parents to toys with play value which are also appropriate for the developmental stage and interests of their child. Once parents find what they are looking for, they are one click away from purchasing the toys directly from amazon.com.

Parents of young children should use extra caution and buy toys that are safe. Review toy safety guidelines. Toys appropriate for older children should be kept away from younger siblings. Parents should teach and enforce safety rules for new activities such as riding a bike or skateboard. Have the right safety gear. Supervise new hobby activities that use sharp tools, chemicals or electricity.

During the holidays, parents often spend time playing with their kids and the new toys. Dr. Bob encourages parents to continue to play often with their kids during the rest of the year. They will find it not only is great for their kids but is a great stress reducer for the parent as well. It is important to let the child direct the play. Join them in their world. It is a time for parents to learn about their child not to teach kids the "right" way to play.

About Child Development Institute

Child Development Institute provides information on child development and parenting through its award winning website at www.childdevelopmentinfo.com. The website is recommended by the American Psychological Association and Psychology Today and currently has over 250,000 visitors per month. Dr Bob Myers is a child psychologist (PhD from USC) with 25 years of experience as a practitioner and is also a popular parent educator. He has been a radio talk show host in Southern California, a columnist for Parents & Kids Magazine and has been a guest on local and national radio and television.

Contact:

Pamela Myers

Child Development Institute

714-926-3690

http://www.toys4growth.com

# # #