Age Guidelines for Toys – Should You Follow Them?

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by Pratima Moss

Age Guidelines for Toys – Should You Follow Them?

When you take a look at a toy or game, you will likely notice that in the bottom corner there is a suggestion for the age of children using the toy or game. This was developed to help parents know what toys were made for which ages. Some toys may be labeled for children over a specific age in order to keep your child safe. Most young children will put small pieces into their mouths, so toys with small pieces usually say they are for children over the age of three. Other times you will see that some games may be a little violent and may be recommended for children over 13 years old. No matter what the game or toy says you can make your own decision. You should keep in mind that these age guidelines are put on the packages for a purpose however. They are meant to emotional and physically protect your child.

Your Own Judgment

When it comes to deciding whether or not the age guidelines on a toy are appropriate for your child, it really comes down to your own judgment. No one knows your child better than you. Therefore, you are the only person that knows what you child is and isn't capable of. If you know your child won't understand a game that is meant for children his age, don't feel bad for passing it by. Even though the ages listed may be appropriate for one child, they are not appropriate for all children. Some children learn and mature at different rates. As the parent, you have the choice to decide what is best for your child, even when it comes to toys. Often the age guidelines may seem a little "young". You may find yourself purchasing toys that are meant for older children. As long as you are comfortable with the toys and your children can safely use them and understand them, there should be no problem.

Look At The Product

Sometimes the best way to tell if your child is ready for a specific toy or game is to read about it yourself. Most toys and games have descriptions on the back of their boxes. These descriptions often tell you how the game is played or how the toy works. You can read about it on the back and see if you think your child is able to work the specific toy in question. You should also take care to consider any pieces of the toy or game that might be inappropriate for your child. Keep any younger siblings in mind as well when you are looking at a toy. While you can't make your older children play with toys that are always appropriate for younger siblings, you should be careful when you let them have toys with small parts.

Quote of the Day

Fashionable women regard themselves, and are regarded by men, as pretty toys or as mere instruments of pleasure; and the vacuity of mind, the heartlessness, the frivolity which is the necessary result of this false and debasing estimate of women, can only be fully understood by those who have mingled in the folly and wickedness of fashionable life ...

—Sarah M. Grimke (1792–1873)

Check Out The Pieces

Again, check out the age guide if you see any small parts and pieces. It may seem like this is an overprotective move, but there are too many children that choke to death on toys each year. Think about this: if the pieces are small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll's middle, then they are too small for children under the age of three. If you have an older child that still likes to put things in their mouth, be especially careful as well. The age guides can really help you with this one. Anything that may be harmful to specific ages will have the age recommendation stamped somewhere on the front of the box.

Overall, you can use these tips to help you make your own decision about whether or not you should use the age guidelines on toys. Keep in mind that you should probably always follow the guidelines when you are purchasing a toy or game for someone else's child. When you give a child other than your own a toy that is more mature than what they need, you are possibly giving them something their parents won't let them play with. So, when it comes to your own children, decide for yourself. But, when it comes to other children outside of your family, let their parents decide when to go out of that appropriate age guideline and when to stick within the guideline.

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Please note: All personal opinions expressed in the "Age Guidelines for Toys – Should You Follow Them?" article belong to the contributing author and are not necessarily shared by ToysGiftsPresents.com.

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