Old-fashioned Ways To Inspire Your Kids

Have a child who seems more inspired by the television or the newest video game than something else that doesn’t require batteries or an electrical outlet? All too many toys these days seem to rob our children of their natural curiosity and sense of discovery. As hard as it may be to decline the flashing, beeping, singing toys that fill the toy store aisles, try inspiring your children and opening their imagination with these 5 time-tested toys:

Books

Okay, maybe books are not really a “toy” but books are perhaps the single most important thing that you can provide your child with. Books awaken the mind and enliven the senses. Books take your child by the hand and guide them on an adventure that not even a movie or video game can take them on. Being able to actually read a story rather than simply see it puts the brain’s imagination to work as it creates its own scenery, characters and voices. Ever wonder why people often say that reading the book is better than seeing the movie? This is why.

TIP: Be sure that you have a mix of books available to your kids, such as both fiction and non-fiction, as well as books that are both appropriate for their age level and also for slightly older children if they crave a more challenging read.

Dress Up

Role playing not only opens your child’s mind to the many possibilities on who he or she could be (and allows them to decide whether they want to “be” that “person”) but it also allows them to empathize with different characters. You don’t have to spend a ton of money on dress ups either; throw some of your older (and perhaps embarrassing) clothes and shoes in a box or buy some from a second hand shop and watch your kids go into action.

Blocks

All you need are blocks and your child will work at planning, constructing and finishing a number of different projects. Things as simple as towers can be built, while older kids can easily create large forts and bridges (given that they have enough blocks to do so). Blocks allow children to form structures as simple or complex as they like.

TIP: If you have plain wooden blocks, you can allow your children to paint the blocks different colors or with fun patterns to further encourage their creativity.

Arts and Crafts

Though items in craft stores may be full of expensive items, all you really need is paper, crayons, paint and scissors and random items around the house to make arts and crafts with your kids. Nab a craft book from the library or look up some fun crafts online with your kids if you run out of fun craft ideas.

Musical Instruments

Indulging your child’s natural sense of rhythm and sound will help them in so many different areas as they grow. Though you certainly can go out and purchase some musical instruments, be sure to make your own and show your child that music can be made from something as simple as a jar and spoons. Music is all around us if we look hard enough!

photo by EMR