10 Things I Wish I Knew as a Parent: I am My Child’s Best Toy
As a new parent, you're probably bombarded with advertisements for the latest and greatest baby toys, each one claiming to boost your child’s development, stimulate their imagination, and transform them into little geniuses. But here’s the good news: the best toy your baby could ever have is you.
Yes, it’s that simple. While colourful toys, flashing lights, and interactive gadgets may catch your eye, it’s the moments of shared interaction between you and your child that provide the richest learning experiences. Let's dive into why your presence is so important, and how you can nurture your baby’s early development through play—no batteries required.
Why Interaction Matters More Than Toys
Toys can be fun and useful, but without guidance, they’re just objects. Your baby is still learning how to interact with the world around them, and nothing is more important in that process than human connection.
Babies thrive when they have regular face-to-face time with their caregivers. These early moments of interaction—making eye contact, exchanging smiles, cooing back and forth—lay the foundation for social, emotional, and cognitive development. As your baby observes and imitates you, they begin to understand the basics of communication, learn about emotions, and feel safe exploring their environment.
Copycat Games: Building Early Interaction Skills
One of the simplest and most effective ways to engage with your baby is by copying them. Babies love to see their own actions mirrored back at them, and this back-and-forth “conversation” helps them understand that their actions can influence others.
Here’s how you can start:
Facial Mimicking: Sit face-to-face with your baby and copy their facial expressions. If they smile, smile back. If they furrow their brow or stick out their tongue, mimic those movements. This not only builds your bond but also encourages your baby to experiment with different expressions and emotions.
Simple Sounds: When your baby coos or babbles, respond in a similar tone. This teaches them the give-and-take of conversation, even before they can form words.
Peekaboo: A classic game that teaches object permanence—your baby learns that even when they can’t see you, you’re still there! Plus, it’s a fun way to get them giggling and paying attention to your actions.
By engaging in these simple games, you’re helping your baby develop critical skills that no toy can teach on its own.
Mindful Toy Buying: Choose Wisely
Now, that’s not to say toys don’t have their place. The right toys can absolutely support your baby’s development. But here’s the thing: toys don’t teach unless someone cues the baby to what the toy is supposed to do. That someone is you.
Here’s what to consider before you buy:
Does the toy encourage interaction? Toys that require two people, like a ball to roll back and forth or a stacking toy you can help build, are great because they promote shared play. These kinds of toys make interaction the focus.
Is the toy open-ended? Open-ended toys, like blocks or simple musical instruments, allow babies to use their imagination and create their own experiences. These types of toys don’t have strict instructions but encourage exploration with you by their side.
Is the toy really “educational”? Be wary of toys marketed as “educational” without providing much beyond lights and sounds. If a toy promises to teach numbers, colors, or the alphabet but doesn’t involve you in the learning process, it won’t live up to its claims. Babies learn best from real-life interactions, not pre-programmed ones.
You Are the Key to Learning
The truth is, it doesn’t matter how many toys your baby has—what matters is the quality of the time you spend together. Whether you’re singing songs, stacking blocks, or simply making silly faces, every moment of interaction is an opportunity for your baby to learn and grow.
So, the next time you feel the urge to fill your home with toys, remember: your baby’s favorite activity is spending time with you. The connection and communication you share are the ultimate educational tools.
You don’t need the fanciest gadgets to foster your baby’s development. You just need to play, laugh, and engage with them in those small, everyday moments. And that’s the best gift of all.
