Playtime: How It Has Changed Over The Years

Children begin to learn through playing and since the beginning of time children have played. The toys they have played with have changed and advanced through the years and so has the manner in which children play. This is a cause for some debate since many people think the changes are not beneficial to children and can actually cause some problems growing up by not allowing children to run outside and play and to use their imagination. Parents can use the tools that are available, though, to help children become expressive and have fun.

One of the changes that are most notable in playtime is the use of technology in toys. There are videos, video games and robotic toys. The majority of these toys are designed for indoor use. Children are quite entertained by these items but there is also a propensity for fewer outdoor activities and exercise. In previous generations, there was more of an emphasis on going outside to play and using the imagination. People also did not purchase as many toys for their children so kids used what they had and imagined various types of play.

Many adults remember the times when a cardboard box could open up an entire world of cars, houses, castles and tunnels. A cardboard box that was used to ship something could provide hours of entertainment for a child. Add a few markers to decorate and the box could be transformed into a complete toy. Children used to use their imaginations more than they do today. They would take the supplies that they had an open up a fantasy world.

Today, toys and games are so technically advanced that children no longer need to use their imagination as much as they used to. The complete story lines including sounds and graphics are already supplied to them. They are entertained, certainly. But, the question remains are they using their imagination to play?

Another change in the way children play is the amount of physical activity that they have. With the abundance of videos, video games and indoor activities designed to keep a child entertained, there is not as much of an opportunity or desire for a child to go outside to play. Children used to play ball, ride their bike and play on the swings. Who doesn’t remember the times of tag and Red Rover? Today, children are more interested in getting to a higher level on their video game than they are about going out in the fresh air to play.

The level of imagination used in toys is something that parents should be aware of and can balance with other toys that will stimulate a child’s imagination. Reading books is a great way for this to occur. For younger children, parents can read to them and get them involved. Asking questions after a story is read that sparks the imagination and enhances reading comprehension is a great way for this to happen. Playing house or make believe with your child is another way to ensure a child uses their imagination.

There is nothing wrong with the toys of today and nothing wrong with a child enjoying them from time to time. It does entertain the child and there are benefits to the toys. Where parents need to be careful, though, is making sure there is a balance between the technological toys and those meant to stimulate the imagination. Make sure that the technological toys are not simply being used as a crutch but that they are used to supplement other toys.

The lack of physical activity is also a concern for parents and may be contributing to the numbers of overweight and obese children in today’s society. Children need physical activity and exercise and there is nothing better than getting outside to play to help accommodate this. Younger children need to be supervised and older children should be aware of safety issues if they are going out alone. However, parents should encourage their children to play with something that encourages physical activity.

Some toy manufacturers are recognizing this as a problem and are taking steps to change somewhat so that children can have the best of both worlds. There are now video games that encourage children to get up and move. There are dance programs and karaoke programs that give the child a sense that they are playing a video game but they also have to get up and move in order to do it. This can be an ideal solution to the family so they can have exercise as well as the video aspect of the game. When choosing toys and activities for a child, balance is the key. There is no reason the play methods of yesterday can not be incorporated into today’s technology.

 

Action Figures Bridge the Gap between the Present and the Past

As a child I spent countless hours collecting and playing with action figures of all shapes, sizes, and characters. My favorite by far were my Star Wars action figures but I spent many hours playing with G. I. Joe, Transformers, Masters of the Universe. There are so many of them, and they were such a vital part of my childhood experience that I couldn’t really begrudge my sons love of those very same things.

His current collection is of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle™ action figures. He is also starting a nice collection of matchbox cars, but he really loves his Ninja Turtles. For a while he was seriously interested in light sabers from Star Wars. I was so excited hoping I could share my old love for my Star Wars action figures with him, but his interest stopped at the light sabers and he never really got into those action figures that were once so special to me.

Ah well, I still have two daughters; perhaps one of them will love those as much as I once did. The real beauty of action figures is that you can keep them and share them with your children, you can sell them, or you can consider them as an investment. However you look at your action figure collection, don’t underestimate the many hours of fun they can provide your children. The right set of action figures can ignite their imaginations and keep them occupied for endless hours on those rainy summer days.

If you wonder about whether or not action figures are good toys for children to have, think back to your childhood and how these action figures enabled you to use your imagination and creativity. Think of the endless hours of fun you had with these awesome toys and how you could share these toys with your friends and double the fun. I know that I feel any toy that helps children use their imaginations is a good toy for them to have.