ISTANBUL – Is it possible to think of a child without toys or playing games? Games are an indispensable part of our childhood.

Sometimes children become an architect to make buildings with Legos, a doctor to examine their parents, a mother to take care of their children or the fastest driver. They even create their own games, including riding a horse on a broom, making "dolma" (stuffed vine leaves, a Turkish mezze) from lime leaves, making a rifle from pipes and so on. If they can't find anything, they begin to dance or sing. All children need toys and games suitable for their age. However, the critical question is: "Is there anything parents are advised to pay attention to when selecting games or toys?" Psychologist Nagihan Aksu from Ordu Medical Park Hospital answers our question.

Children from ages 0-6 grow by playing games The functions of toys and games can be understood if children live without them. Indeed, it is hard to say they can live without toys. This is because they begin to play with their hands or giggle when you articulate funny sounds. In other words, human beings are able to create entertaining games no matter what their age. Don't we feel happy when we are involved in something amusing? Games contribute to children's physical, mental and social development as well as their creative thinking. Cognitive development and their attention spans develop in accordance with game types. Seventy percent of children's development is completed from the age of 0-6. It is the densest period during which learning, habits and mental abilities are rapidly developed and shaped. At this point, games and toys are the most important means for children to recognize their environment, learn new things and socialize. It also helps children to relax and feel happy. When games and toys are given that are suitable for their age and abilities, their positive impacts on children can be observed. As an example, when a child is playing with blocks, they feel independent and learn how to become self-sufficient and patient. Further, children improve their ability at problem solving and motor skills, which in turn contributes to their physical development. They can also enhance their creativity and reach the necessary level of cognitive development before starting school. When you give a toy to your child, it will address their sense of touch and vision.

Impacts on emotional development Toys contribute to children's emotional development. Following birth, children start to interact with their environment.

When they get older, they expand their close circle and socialize with other people. Group games and toys enable them to sustain social relations and differentiate between right and wrong behaviors. Contributing to children's emotional development, toys enable them to state their wishes and overcome their fears.

Their awareness towards the social environment increases.

Children feel safe when they play games. Moreover, if parents take part in games, they will strengthen their relationship with children. Games also improve the sense of possession. Children can learn how to control themselves while playing games. They even learn social rules and how to communicate with their friends. Hand-bells, singing toys and illustrated books contribute to children's emotional development.

Impact on cognitive development

Legos and blocks have a positive impact on children's cognitive developments. When a child respectively uses blocks to make a tower that breaks down, this may provide an experience beyond merely playing a game. It is observed that children's problem-solving and cause-effect relationship capacity increases.

When they play games, they learn how to create a cause-effect relationship, which also contributes to developing self-awareness and the sense of control.

Children learn colors and numbers via games and toys. Their attention mechanism and memories will be developed. Books, toys, blocks or puzzles in different shapes will enhance children's mental activity. Impacts on physical activity and motor skills development Physical activity and motor skills development includes learning how to crawl, climb and stand in balance. Fine motor skills are developed by handling small toys.

The development of fine motor skills is related to the coordination of small muscles (hands, feet or wrist). Further, fine motor skills are necessary to use hand and eye muscles for attention.

Baby bouncers, legos and blocks contribute to the development of motor skills. After 12 months of age, children learn how to coordinate their movements. When they grow, their movements become more complex, and they understand how to use their body to play with toys.

Buy suitable games and toys for your child's development

It is important to buy games and toys suitable to your children's age. This is because children do not enjoy a game or a toy below their competence. On the other hand, a toy above children's skills makes them lose interest.

Ages 0-2: In the first six months, babies play with their hands or toys and people making sudden sounds. Until 12 months, they are sensitive to sound, shape and colors.

Parents can buy small bells or toys to hang on their beds.

It is preferable to buy soft toys that make sounds, small balls and plastic rings. When they have teeth, it is better to buy teethers. In this period, they prefer to play alone and are not ready to socialize. Games that can be played alone or with parents are suitable. Since they are selfcentered, it may create tension when they come together with their peers. However, it is recommended to bring them together at times.

Matching games should be started from one-to-two years of age. Parents can tell simple stories while playing with children. Such games are also informative. Their improvisation can be enhanced by playing with small puppets or wearing creative costumes.

Ages 2-4: Children around three years of age begin to socialize and leave playing alone. They play imaginary games and imitate people. They even play with puzzles and blocks. After two years of age, motor skills are rapidly developed. Drawing, holding a pencil or using scissors enhances fine motor skills. Three-year-old children generally know the names of colors. They can draw a circle, which is considered as the most important fine motor skill. They can play with legos, cubes or small puzzles (four-to-five pieces for two year olds and 6-12 pieces for three year olds). They can even ride a tricycle.

Ages 4-6: Children around this age have almost completed their physical development and are good at standing in balance. They begin to run, climb or jump. When they are four years old, they begin to explore their sexual organs. Girls start to play family games, while boys prefer to play with cars. They can draw pictures. If they watch less television, they can even draw explicit human shapes.

They can also draw a triangle. Children have imaginary friends during this period. This may frighten some parents; however, these imaginary friends are more useful than they are dangerous. While playing with children parents can acknowledge the imaginary friend.
Pay attention to unsocial children!

When we talk about kids these days, it is hard to ignore the influence of smart phones, tablets and PlayStation on their development. These are both expensive and dangerous toys. Although children should play games, such toys destroy socialization, cause addiction and release radiation. We advise parents to listen to their children when buying games or toys. Moreover, they should talk with them in order to buy the most suitable games.

It is recommended to make your own toys with children, which would be more enjoyable.