Introduce a variety of toys during play

By Dr Richard C. Woolfson

Your two-year-old has an insatiable interest in toys – especially ones she doesn’t have! Her natural enthusiasm for play, coupled with her constant need to seek new experiences, means that she always wants more.

That’s why she asks you to buy her every toy she sees, whether at a shop, in a playgroup or at a friend’s house. It’s so frustrating when you hear those earnest requests – first, because she has to learn that there are limits to what you will buy for her and, second, because she has more than enough toys already (half of which she probably doesn’t play with).

When faced with such demands, don’t be afraid to say “no”. Of course, you’d probably like to buy her everything she wants, but she has to learn that your resources are limited and that she can’t always get her own way.

If you think she has enough playthings, tell her that. Explain that her toy box is full. You could also suggest that she waits until her birthday or other special occasion before asking again.

Toddlers are notoriously stubborn and self-interested, however, so don’t be surprised when yours has a tantrum the moment she realises you have drawn the line. If she does react that way, hold your ground anyway. She will eventually calm down and accept your decision.

WOW, LOOK AT THIS
In addition, encourage her to make maximum use of what she does have at home. The chances are she only plays with those at the top of her toy box, the ones that are easily accessible. The others at the bottom, or stacked in the shelves of her cupboards, probably lie untouched for much of the time.

That’s why it makes sense for you and your toddler to sit down together while you sort out her toys. Talk about each one as you both examine it, and show her how to play with it. There will be lots of interesting items that she has completely forgotten about, simply because they lay buried under all the others.

You can also organise them into groups for her – for instance, toys that make a noise, puzzle toys, constructions toys, soft toys, books and so on. Smaller toy boxes that contain similar types of toys are much easier for your two-year-old to rummage through; that’s certainly better than one large crate that it too huge, from her perspective.

Place the different toy boxes together at the same place in her room, so that she can see them without any difficulty. That helps keep her interest.

LET’S TRY ANOTHER TOY
Make a specific point of ensuring that she plays with a range of toys each day, instead of one or two favourites. Make a mental note of what she played with today, and bring out alternative items tomorrow.

By all means, allow your toddler to continue to play with those she likes best but regularly introduce a few less used toys into her play. Variety is the spice of life when it comes to play.

Finally, play with her when she handles those unfamiliar toys. Your attention automatically makes them seem interesting in her eyes, and your enthusiasm for them will spread. The more she associates fun and pleasure with each toy in her possession, the more likely she will develop a strong interest for it.