Do toys hinder or help children these days? It is a hard question to answer, when, the answer contradicts itself. There are many toys built exclusively for learning, but, then there are toys that do nothing but numb the child's mind. Amongst all of the advancing technology, when does the child learn to use his imagination?

Repetition is the key to learning, so, the toys that all you have to do is push a button and constantly hear a sound, color, letter, or shape are great for the process of learning. With these type games how can one be sure that the child is actually learning the sound the button is making or is the child learning to push a button just to hear a sound. One will assume that it has to do with the age of the child, but this still does not ensure what the child is actually learning by pushing a button. There are even video games that allow a child to do math in or spell words in order to beat it. These types of toys are a helpful teaching tool when used as a supporter to what the parents are teaching.

The only problem is, with all of the technology, when does a child learn to use his imagination? Whatever happened to a pile of dirt in the backyard so a child can learn that it takes effort to get things done. Some children don't even like to play outside anymore because of all of the video games and electronic toys. Plus, some parents may even take advantage of toys so as not to spend time with their children and teach them. Childs need toys on the side and their parents to teach them. Toys can be an assistant to what parents are teaching. Without the one on one attention, how can you expect a child to thrive?

Toys both help and hinder children. When used as just play time, toys are great, but, when toys are use as the sole source of teaching, they then become a hindrance. Spend time with your children and they will learn and then thrive. If the toys take the place of learning and attention, the child will not prosper. Give the children toys that do not have batteries so as to help expand their imagination. Most importantly, do not let any toy take the place of the parents.