Did you know that the number of people living in cities is growing rapidly around the world? UN data estimates it will be 68% of the global population by 2050. This will lead to a number of issues. Critically, it could mean more and more urban kids don’t know about where their food comes from and how it’s produced. This will make it even more vital to ensure that children have farm toys to learn about it.
Why is it so important?
Understanding where food comes from is crucial for many reasons. Firstly, it matters for nutrition and food safety. Children need to know about choosing good food and having a healthy diet. Plus, they should be able to spot when any food is off or contaminated. Most importantly, they should learn about food tracking and how to make the right choices. It’s hard for children in cities because they can’t see fields of crops and animals; toys are the best way to show them.
Teaching children where food comes from is also essential if you want to help them learn about the environment. It’s really important to do this, especially when kids live in cities. It helps to build a connection to the natural world. You can use farm toys to help them understand the carbon footprint of different foods, sustainability, and biodiversity. The latter is crucial because urban areas typically lack diversity.
Finally, it is good to teach urban kids about the ethical and community side. This includes essential things like animal welfare, fairness, and supporting local people who grow food and raise animals. It helps to develop an understanding and appreciation of what other people do.
Beneficial for the future
Ensuring children in cities and other urban areas learn about farming and the natural world is also crucial for the future. Relying on rural kids to carry all the load of producing food and raising animals is unwise. It could result in serious problems in the future, including labour shortages. It’s better to get more children interested and considering working in rural areas. Farm toys are really good here because they can inspire kids to want to work in farming or other key industries.
One of the most important things is to ensure that urban kids have access to the right toys. Things like vehicles and animals are sure to grab attention because they are familiar but also unfamiliar at the same time. Most children will come to know how to spot cows, sheep, tractors, and more, but toys give them the ability to engage with them.
Playing with farm toys is fantastic for encouraging imaginative playtime too. Kids will be able to make up their own stories and adventures. This is wonderful for encouraging them to get creative and solve problems. Farms rely on a number of people working together too; this can work perfectly with play, showing the importance of teamwork, communication, and other key skills.
Want to buy great farm toys?
As you can see, it’s a great idea to give kids a selection of toys to help them learn about farming, animals, and where food really comes from. There’s a lot to think about here though, including safety and what will interest them. Tractors and vehicles are always a good choice; kids love to push them around and play. Realistic scale models are a great idea because they are just like the real thing.
If you’re thinking about farm toys and want some recommendations, we’re happy to help. JS Hubbuck Ltd has been part of the farming industry for years, raising generations of our family in it. So, we know all about teaching children how to farm. Our range of products includes some of the best toys on the market from Bruder. They are realistic and durable, perfect for playing on a carpet or even out in a garden. Contact us to learn more.