Parents are being advised to make an effort to connect with their children and understand the world of toys they are interested in. A child expert says that this can help boost their confidence.
As we approach the festive season, parents and grandparents may struggle to keep up with the latest trends in kids’ toys. A recent survey of 1500 parents found that 71 per cent feel that their child has moved on to a new craze before they fully understand the last one.
Understanding your child’s favourite toys can be challenging for adults. Only one in three parents feel confident in understanding their kids’ “toy jargon”. However, Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, a consultant clinical psychologist, suggests that talking to children about their interests can help improve their communication skills and confidence.
Dr Kilbey highlights the importance of parents taking an interest in their children’s world, even if it means feeling like they are playing catch-up. Children often express their interests through language that excludes parents. By showing curiosity and allowing children to share their knowledge, parents can help boost their children’s confidence and communication skills.
To help bridge the gap in toy knowledge between generations, The Entertainer has released a guide called TOYMINOLOGY. This A-Z guide translates current toy trends and products into explanations that adults can understand. This will help parents and grandparents make sense of terms like ‘Nerf’, ‘Noob’, ‘Respawn’, ‘Grind’, ‘Glitch’, ‘Loot’, ‘Rare’, ‘Upgrade’, and ‘Skin’.
By staying up-to-date with the latest toy crazes and understanding children’s language around toys, parents can strengthen their bond with their children and support their development. Connecting with your child through their interests can create valuable moments of bonding and learning for both parents and children alike. So, take the time to learn about your child’s favourite toys and show an interest in their world – it will make a big difference in building a strong parent-child relationship.
