Seeing children playing is one of the most heartwarming and reassuring things for parents and anyone providing care for them. Play is integral to their world, shaping their emotional, social, and cognitive development. For lots of parents though, the reality is the opposite. They see them showing more interest in the box the toy comes from rather than the object itself. This can be the case with farm toys, blocks, and almost anything else.
If you’re a parent that has concerns about your child’s disinterest in toys, you’re not on your own. However, many different factors could influence toddlers not to play with them. By paying attention to these details, you’re able to encourage an explorative, joyful play space. It’s one that will foster healthy development. There are five main reasons why a child may not engage in play. We’re going to discuss them below, so keep reading to learn more.
Lack of interest
Firstly, we have a lack of interest. One of the most straightforward but overlooked reasons for neglected toys is age-appropriateness. If a toy is too sophisticated or complex, it won’t hold a child’s attention. Alternatively, they can become frustrated.
There’s also overstimulation. Many toys are made to be engaging, bright, and loud. Sometimes, a child can experience sensory overload and turn away from them. It’s not because of disinterest; it is a response to excess stimulation.
There may also not be enough variety. Kids thrive on new challenges and experiences. Regular toy rotation is vital as it keeps playtime engaging and fresh. If you need farm toys, speak to us.
Developmental factors
Toddlers are in a period of swift change. So, it’s often the case their fine motor skills are still developing. As such, any toys that require control and precision may be ignored.
Then there are cognitive abilities. Developments here occur at separate paces with kids. A specific toy might not yet align with your child’s emerging interests or cognitive abilities.
Language and play development are intricately linked. Your kid may be more interested in exploring their new capacity to communicate. If so, they could shelve the toys temporarily. They will then interact with you and other people.
Environmental factors
Within our multitasking-centric lives, it’s simple for toddlers to become caught up in the day’s distractions. Instead, select a quiet area for playing where you can nurture concentration. Avoid clutter and simplify the space to their demands. For example, if it is farm toys, make sure the children can focus on making their own world.
Make sure there’s routine as well. Toddlers thrive on predictability and routines. If you squeeze playtime in among several other activities, the lack of structure could impact their willingness to engage.
Emotional factors
Stress and anxiety can affect everyone, even young children. Such feelings could lead to them seeking reassurance and comfort from familiar behaviours or items instead of novel toys.
There could also be a lack of emotional connection. Toys can at times grow on a child. You can even encourage the formation of bonds by getting children to talk about them. You should introduce them into daily routines too and be present during playtime.
Lastly, there are unmet needs. Children are less likely to play if they are tired, uncomfortable, or hungry. Basic needs take priority and can result in a lack of interest in anything until you handle them. Farm toys are great here because you can have feeding or rest time together.
Too much involvement
Finally, we come to parental involvement. Young kids learn through observation. See to it your child sees you engaging with items in a play-like state. This will foster their curiosity and creativity. Don’t become over-involved though; too much can stifle the kid’s independent play. Be there but don’t be overbearing. Permit them the space for their imagination to run wild.
Limited playtime is another thing you must be careful of. Our lives are busy. So, you could have the temptation to restrict playtime to fit a neatly scheduled day. For toddlers though, play must be as integral as sleep or mealtime. See to it they have ample time and a good environment for play.
Start playing with wonderful farm toys
At JS Hubbuck Ltd, we have many fantastic products available. These include toys by the leading brand Bruder. With them, you’ll be able to keep your child engaged. At the same time, they can learn more about farm life.
So, if there’s something you need from us, please get in touch.