HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2007-12-20, Page 30(MS) - The chaotic holidayshopping season seems to approachsooner each year, and while visionsof toy recalls dance in their head,consumers shopping for youngchildren will be on their toes this
season.
While safety should be a big
concern, toy shoppers should keep
other things in mind as well, say
early childhood experts at Parents as
Teachers National Centre.
AGE AND SKILL LEVEL
Consult the age guidelines shown
on toy boxes, but remember they are
just that - guidelines. Imagine the
child playing with the toy; is it
challenging enough to capture his
interest without being overwhelming
or unsafe?
“If you are unsure, ask the child’s
parents. They know their child’s
skills and capabilities best, and can
decide if he is ready to enjoy a
particular toy,” suggests Jane
Kostelc, early childhood specialist at
Parents as Teachers National
Centre.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENT-CHILD INTERACTION - THE “PLAYWITH ME” FACTORWhen shopping for gifts for youngchildren, look for items that will
foster parent interaction with the
child. Adults can support and extend
children’s play. Look for play
materials that provide such
opportunities. Games are good
choices as they require more than
one person to play.
For parents, think of things you
like to do and see if you can extend
those pastimes to include your child.
For example, if you like to cook,
child-sized utensils, apron and a
cookie-baking date could make a
gift both you and your child will
enjoy.
INTERESTS
“At a very early age children
develop interests that guide their
learning and enjoyment,” says
Kostelc. “Parents should watch what
their child chooses to play with and
listen to the things she talks about.”
At the same time, help a child whois engrossed with a particular type ofplaything to branch out and haveother play experiences. For example,a child who is fascinated with trainsmight enjoy a puzzle with a train
theme.
Toys are not the only things
children play with. Look for
everyday objects that can support
and extend a child’s interests.
For example, a child interested in
bugs might like a flashlight and an
unbreakable magnifying glass to
find specimens.
THE VALUE OF PLAY
Young children learn things every
day through play. Toys that doeverything for the child don’t havemuch play value, nor are they likelyto engage a child for long. But toysand materials that allow a child touse his imagination will also help his
brain grow. Look for activities
that are open-ended, that is, that can
be played with in many different
ways.
Building blocks, for example, can
be played with by children at
different ages. They can become
anything the child imagines them to
be.
ALL THINGS CONSIDERED
Always focus on how safe
playthings are when choosing giftsfor children. Safety depends on howtoys are manufactured, but also onhow appropriate they are for achild’s age, skill level and activitylevel. There is no such thing as an
absolutely safe toy.
Children require supervision
during play.
And remember that more than
anything else, young children crave
time and attention.
“These are the best gifts a parent
can provide. When you play with
your child you foster learning and
support his development in a number
of areas.” Kostelc adds.
PAGE 30. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2007.Tips for when holiday shopping for youngsters
(MS) — New Year’s Eve is a time
when revelers remember all that has
happened during the year, and look
forward to a fresh start in the one to
come. A part of the celebration is
making resolutions for the new
year.
The idea of resolutions is thought
to have come from the ancient
Babylonians. These people believed
that what a person did on the first
day of the new year would affect
him or her throughout the entire
year.
Resolutions range from many
things, from quitting smoking to
getting more organized. Although
the priorities and hobbies of people
change throughout the generations,
most resolutions remain the same
through the years.
The key to keeping resolutions is
to think about them in advance of
New Year’s Eve festivities and
decide on one or two that are really
important to you. If you need some
inspiration, consider these top 15
resolutions.
1. Exercise/weight loss
2. Reduce stress
3. Make time for yourself
4. Volunteer work
5. Save money
6. Eat more healthfully
7. Treat friends/family/neigh-
bours better
8. Spend more time with
family/kids
9. Get more sleep/relaxation
10. Get a new job or start a
new career
11. Pay off debt
12. Get organized
13. Watch less television
14. Balance the chequebook
15. Quit smoking/drinking/
another bad habit
On guard
Playing a toy soldier isn’t easy, as Curtis Frischknecht will
tell you. He took on the post for East Wawanosh Public
School’s Christmas concert production of A Holiday
Moosical. Whenever the moose starring in the play thought
he could fly, the soldiers were the muscle who came in to
keep things under control. (Shawn Loughlin photo)
PUB NIGHTPUB NIGHT
* Wings
* Hockey on the Big Screen
* Music
Cover: $5.00 ~ Age of majority required
Saturday, December 22
Hosted by Brussels Optimist Club
BMG Arena ~ 8:00 pm - 1:00 am
Christmas CD $20
Available at The Gift Chest and Finishing Touches in Wingham
or by calling 519-357-9995
or by email: thebeardfamily@gmail.com
THURS. JAN. 10/08 – 7PM
BLYTH MEMORIAL HALL
www.tommyhunter.com
Tickets on sale at Blyth Festival
Office, Blyth General Store, Ernie
King Music (Goderich & Wingham),
Dixie Lee in Clinton.
Credit Card Orders:
1-800-465-7829
Resolutions rarely change