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Keep the "Merry" in Christmas for Kids
< Dec. 19, 2007 > -- When shopping for Christmas toys, it is tempting to succumb to the latest and greatest new toy fad. However, this may not be the best choice for your child, according to two recent publications.
Experts advise parents to choose toys that support healthy child development and boost interpersonal relationships.
"It's important to look for toys that allow for creativity, imagination, manipulation, and change. If a toy is static and doesn't promote those concepts, it will probably end up in the corner," Roger Ideishi, professor of occupational therapy at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, says.
"Parents often feel like they have to rush out and get 'the toy of the moment,' " notes Paula Kramer, Ph.D., chair and professor of occupational therapy at the university.
"These toys may be interesting, unique and novel, but they're not always the best thing for the child or the toy with the longest life," she says.
When selecting a toy, think about the child's specific needs and interests. Look for toys that encourage mental and physical development, such as building blocks, Legos®, or other games that build fine motor skills and creativity.
Video game consoles that require physical movement and hand-eye coordination also helps children release energy. Parents should feel free to join in and play with their children.
"It's just like anything else. If your child asks you to do some coloring with them, you usually do it even if you don't want to, because the child seeks that interaction. It is the same thing when a child asks you to play a video game," Dr. Kramer says.
Bicycles and other sports equipment help keep children moving and may force interaction with others. Tickets to sporting events or shows are another way of building family relationships.
"Through these events, we build positive memories and experiences in life that we may not have otherwise. Gifts don't always have to be toys. In today's time-constrained world, something as simple as planning a day together with your child can be the best present," Dr. Kramer says.
Electric guitars and singing dolls may be another popular choice for kids, but if parents are not careful, these toys can cause a lifetime hearing loss.
In measuring the loudness of many desired toys, University of California at Irvine researchers warn that many emit sounds at decibel levels high enough to cause permanent hearing damage if not used correctly.
The researchers tested the loudness of popular toys and found that a number of them reach decibel levels of 100 or more, which is approximate to the sound of a power saw, subway train, or power mower.
This does not mean these toys are unsafe, they say.
“All the toys we tested are safe when used as they are designed,” says Jeff Carroll, graduate researcher in biomedical engineering, who tested 17 toys.
“But kids don’t always use toys as they were designed, and some of their sound levels can be dangerous. So it is advisable for parents to offer greater guidance for their proper and safe use.”
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), prolonged exposure to loud sound can cause permanent hearing damage.
For example, OSHA notes that it is safe to listen to a 100 decibel sound for up to two hours a day, while NIOSH recommends less than 10 minutes daily for the same sound.
Because the level of noise from certain toys can be damaging, the researchers say, it is important to make sure children keep the toy or device at a reasonable distance from their ears. The sound level can drop considerably a few feet away, making the toy safer to use longer.
This study was a joint venture between the Center for Hearing Research and the Lions Club at the University of California at Irvine.
Always consult your child's physician for more information. |
For more information on health and wellness, please visit health information modules on this Web site.
Billions of toys to amuse children of all ages are sold each year in the US, especially for the Christmas holiday.
Unfortunately, toys also are associated with thousands of injuries each year, some of which result in death.
Children under age 3 are especially at risk for injury from toys. Injuries can range from falling, choking, strangulation, burning, drowning, and even poisoning. However, the leading cause of toy-related death is choking, usually on latex balloons.
Injury often results when a toy is misused or used by children who are too young for that particular toy.
An example is a toy with small parts, designed for older children, which can cause choking when those small parts are swallowed by a curious toddler.
Knowing what dangers are associated with certain toys and age groups can help you better protect your child from toy injuries.
When selecting toys for your child, consider the following recommendations:
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Choose toys that are age-appropriate and meet your child's skill level and interest (read the toy's labeling).
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Avoid using latex balloons as much as possible and use mylar balloons instead.
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Make sure toys are used in safe environments, such as keeping a riding toy away from stairs.
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Be involved in your child's play.
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Store toys intended for older children separately from toys used by younger children.
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Use a small parts tester to determine which small toys or parts are a choking hazard to children under age 3. A small parts tester allows for small objects to be inserted - if the object fits, it is a choking hazard.
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Check toys regularly for damage and other hazards.
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Stay up-to-date on toy recalls through the US Consumer Product Safety Commission Web site.
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Supervising your child's play, in addition to following the recommendations made by toy manufacturers could save lives.
Always consult your physician for more information.
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