This is an excellent article that I came across only today. While the idea that simple toys are the most beneficial playthings for young children regains popularity, it is great to hear an explanation of how and why from developmental psychologists. The psychologists interviewed for this article remind us that 'toys are meant to be platforms for play'. While this sounds like common sense, it is actually a valuable point that is easy to lose sight of the moment you walk into a crowded store full of blinking, buzzing plastic toys. The rule of thumb to 'look for toys that are 10% toy and 90% child' definitely got my attention and I plan to keep it in mind as we continue to post to Little Fawns.
Stephanie S.

Simple Retro Toys May Be Better For Children Than Fancy Electronic Toys

ScienceDaily (2007-11-26) -- Old-fashioned retro toys, such as red rubber balls, simple building blocks, clay and crayons, that don't cost much are usually much healthier for children than the electronic educational toys that have fancier boxes, according to developmental psychologists. Children are creative problem-solvers and benefit from a toy that doesn't command the child, but lets the child command it. ... > read full article