Monday, August 13, 2007
The de-sensitization of the modern child
Its all about toys these days. Poison toys, dangerous toys, toys that light up, toys that blare a tune. In a recent conversation with a close personal friend, we discussed the impact of these newer creations. The toys that do everything but tie the tourniquet and inject a drug. What possible impact do these childhood play things have on learning and processing? I theorize that they have an adverse reaction on the development of the brain. Too much stimulation, I call it bombardment, and this is what I believe is happening all over the world. Probably in your own home if you think on it. All these toys that light up, sing two minute versions of classical masterpieces, and swing open and shut. Total garbage. Its like elevator music for babies. A quick fix of stimuli, replacing human touch and interaction. The basis for human development, broken up by toy companies. Dark and sinister plans for the children of the future. Beware.
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5 comments:
I totally agree with you as I have watched some infants engaged in repetitive behaviors with "music" toys. I see these infant toys as precursors to addictive computer games. Great post!
I believe in the power of imagination.
Now, I don't have anything in particular against toys with a lot of colours or gizmo's, but I tend to go for the more simple wooden toys when shopping for the little 'one, to leave more room for his imagination.
If recollection serves right my favourite toys were Lego and Matchbox, and I've constructed whole worlds out of them. Never threw them away, and now the Matchboxes are already fondly put in use, and the Lego will be in a few years.
However, as a computer games enthousiast, I feel there is some overwrought reaction towards computer games. There are some great computergames for kids these days, but it's up to the parents to limit and control the access to these games. And above all, check if the game is appropriate for your kids. I'm not only talking about content but about complexity as well. It is not because the main character is, let's say a fluffy doll who needs to collect coins, that it's a game for kids. Try these games out before you put them to use. There are even some very good didactic computer games, but a lot of cheap conterfeit as well.
As with anything, moderation is the key, and it is up to the parents to keep track of their kids development, and when some 'repetitive behaviour' occurs, as princess haiku put it, it is up to us, to provide the child with other stimuli; to broaden it's world, to break the repetitive pattern, and so forth.
Really good post!
Very timely post...I have just woken up to all the recalls out there, regarding toys.
I love those wooden toys, but it seems some of those are not safe, either.
Nothing poisonous about the imagination.
This is so true . . .where are our children's imaginations? The stuff that stimulates the brain into problem solving etc. Well done you for this post x x
u r exactly right i think wooden toy are better well done post keep it up.
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