Smart choices for Santa

The season of gifts is here and while parents strive to meet their children’s expectations, it’s important to make informed choices while filling up Santa’s sack. Experts beg you to steer clear of clay, pointed, and sharp-edged toys for the little ones. While older kids these days demand video games, tablets and smart phones, give these only after stressing on the need for judicious and discreet use of these gadgets.

Toys are important tools of play

Play is essential for fostering learning in children and toys can serve as excellent tools. It’s the parent’s prerogative to pick the right toys. Be realistic about your child’s abilities and maturity levels and opt for safe, affordable and developmentally-appropriate toys. Pick toys that can be manipulated and which will trigger the bends of the mind, such as puzzles and musical toys that can help the kids understand the various sounds. Dr Hari Gopinath, paediatric consultant, Lotus Children’s Hospital advises, “Parents must not buy heavy toys or those meant for older age-groups, as you are exposing your child to an ability that is beyond his/her age. Also avoid toys that cause strangulation, such as long strings or cords that are longer than 12 inches. Toys with tiny magnets must also be avoided as they can cause problems like choking, as well as lead to hidden hazards caused by the environment in which the child is playing.”

The best gift that parents can give their children is quality time, which no toy can replace.

'Discard the toys properly’

Toys can be harmful if they are not discarded properly. Lead, mercury, cadmium, azo dyes, and biphenyl are some of the toxic substances that parents must look out for.

While polymer clay is non-toxic, it is advisable to supervise kids when they are playing with it, as the risk of developing breathing problems is very high. A June 2013 study by the Journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise states that cardio respiratory fitness decreases as children spend more time on the computer.

Dr P. Shyam Rao, pediatrician and neonatologist at Neo BBC Children’s Hospital, warns, “The American Academy of Paediatrics believes that gadgets can help the children to stimulate the senses and imagination, promote listening and speaking ability, cognitive learning. However, overuse of toys cuts down on outdoor play, reading habits, cultivating hobbies or using their imagination for free play.”

Health risks of gadgets are:

• Maintaining a prolonged static posture, coupled with lack of exercise, can significantly increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms in different parts of the body.
• Eye strain, dry eyes and irritation by sitting in front of and staring at electronic screens for too long.
• Obesity among children is also related to increased screen time and decreased physical activity.
• There are social and emotional risks as well. Addiction to video games could lead to serious consequences. Children could also become violent or aggressive, or face problems in socialising with peers.

Recommended gifts for children

• For those below 5 years: Traditional gifts like eco-friendly toys made of wood, clay, vegetable colours and soft toys (from branded companies).
• For 5 to 12 years: Autobiographies of great personalities to serve as appropriate role models, and puzzles to improve brain functioning and enhance attention. Also sports-related reading material to motivate and involve children in games and outdoor activities.
• For those above 12 years: Books with information on current affairs, general knowledge and inspiring role models, library membership, articles related to physical activity, musical instruments, arts and crafts.
• Pets can inculcate bonding toward animals and plants can create an interest in gardening.

‘Parents must learn to deal with peer pressure’

In the present scenario, most parents are giving in to the demands of their children and buying them expensive gifts. This adds pressure on children whose parents cannot afford it.

Dr Sharmila Asthana, consultant pediatrician, Apollo Hospitals, says, “It must be understood that toys have their limited value in enhancing human skills, and children with an inquisitive mind can learn new things even from the most mundane things. At the same time, don’t impose your overtly negative views  on your children. Give them enough time to understand and learn the reason for the harmful effects of the particulars explained to them. Offer healthier substitutes to your children like outdoor games and activities as well as dance and music.”