Dr. Toy on What's Right for Older Kids©
Stevanne Auerbach, Dr. Toy!
March 26, 2006 (Revised)
Between ages nine and eleven, children experience rapid social maturation and physical growth. They are in transition. As they grow older, their interests grow more sophisticated. Despite the changes, they still need to have a good balance of activities at home, school, and play. At this age, friends have a significant influence on a child. However, with your encouragement, their talents and interests will expand.
Older children like to make things, work on projects, and see results of their efforts. Gift ideas include hobbies, crafts, or construction sets. They like computers, cameras, typewriters, robots, and scientific materials. Other possible gifts include sports and creative arts equipment, stuffed animals, and collections. Also consider books, board and video games, and a variety of tapes.
This is the time for children to discover and expand their interests and talents. They can pursue music, art, dance, and writing. Their ability to concentrate for longer periods of time will be reflected in their interests after school. Provide time for them to spend alone and to be productive discovering and practicing their talents and skills.
Your child at this age will find these types of toys appealing depending on their interests and experiences:
- Arts - pens, paints, clay and other art supplies
- Baton - cheerleading can be a very active outlet
- Binoculars - bird watching is a terrific hobby
- Books - love of reading lasts a lifetime
- Camera - taking photos is a fun hobby and can lead to a career
- Camping equipment - managing in the outdoors gives confidence and appreciation of nature
- CDs - and tapes, build an interest in music, which nutures the soul
- Chemistry sets - can unveil a talent for science
- Computer - always a practical and valuable tool for learning
- Construction sets - some children enjoy building projects for a long time, even into adulthood.
- Crafts - learning to make things is satisfying and the creation can become a great gift.
- Exercise tapes - help children to be more active and healthier
- Flower press - fun hobby and a way to learn about nature
- Juggling sets - helps with eye-hand coordination and better balance
- Kites - always a delightful way to spend a windy day out of doors
- Oil-painting - explore the value of art and learn more about painting
- Papermaker - can be a great way to learn how paper is created
- Pets - when the child can handle the responsibility, a pet can be a greatly rewarding experience
- Sports equipment - sports activity every day keeps children physically fit
- Stuffed animals - enjoyed by all ages
- Telescope - explore the vastness of the stars
- Workbench and tools - learning new skills and building things gains confidence and satisfies
- Yo-Yo - fun for all ages
Children will find products by the following companies interesting: Action Products, Alex, B. Dazzle, Discovery Toys, Educational Insights, Channel Products, Folkmanis, Leap Frog, Learning Resources, LEGO, MegaBloks, Owi, Tangle Toys, University Games, VTech and Wham-O and Wild Planet. You will find more specifics on companies and products on Dr. Toy’s Guide drtoy.com.
Children appreciate positive alternatives. When children are constructively occupied, they are happier, more satisfied, and more productive at home and in school. Reading, playing games, flying a kite, throwing a Frisbee, and engaging in a hobby help make them smarter, more social, and more self-confident.
Friends and individual pursuits are important, but as children grow older, they also need time to interact with their parents. So find some fun group activities to do together-ones that allow everyone to win. Play is the smart way to learn. Through play children learn best.
My book, Smart Play/Smart Toys, will provide more details on products that are best for older children. Let's play!
Let's play!
