The freedom to choose "junk" as toys for children - Ai's Toy Log - NetEase Blog

For children, toys are more than just commodities. Anything that catches their interest can become a toy or material for making one, even if it's worthless, it can still be a beloved toy for them.

Children's thinking patterns are entirely different from adults, so their standards for evaluating the value of things also differ greatly from adults'. In a child's mind, the value of a toy is not related to its price but rather to their own preferences. As long as something can attract their attention or the process of making it into a toy can stimulate their interest in playing, then this thing becomes an excellent toy. Regardless of how worthless it may seem to parents, to the child, it is a priceless "treasure."

1. Give children the freedom to choose their toys, even if what they pick up is considered "trash" by you.

No matter what the child brings home from outside, as long as it does not pose a health hazard, parents should respect the child's choice. During the process of choosing these toys, the child's imagination and creativity are unknowingly exercised and developed. Help the child wash those small stones, twigs, and then use these items together with the child to create something, even if it’s just lining up the stones in a simple long queue. Parents' tolerance nurtures the child's wisdom and happiness. Therefore, from any perspective, the child's right to collect such "trash" holds significant meaning.

2. Respect the child's feelings towards their toys.

Regardless of how old or rudimentary a toy may be, as long as the child remains interested in it for a long time and never tires of playing with it, this toy naturally has its unique qualities. For the child, it is no longer just a toy but something that has possibly established a certain emotional connection. Besides the need for good food and clothing, children also yearn for respect, independence, and the freedom to create. Respecting the child means giving back freedom and independence, allowing the child to make autonomous choices and explore freely.

3. Understand the true essence of playing with toys.

The most important things that toys bring to children are health and happiness, and all of this cannot be measured by money. If the child has a special fondness for a paper airplane and shows no interest in the newly purchased remote-controlled airplane, what fault is there in the child's right to play with the paper airplane?

Give children the right to choose their toys, respect their right to choose toys, and do not measure their choices by the value standards of the adult world. Even if the child chooses what you consider "trash," it will become an "angel" in the child's eyes, becoming a "treasure" in the child's eyes.