Having given advice for the purchase of toys for babies, and Children from 3 to 6 years, today we dedicate this space to kids over six, and up to 10 years. We regularly read about toys for children ages 6 to 12, however many children at 10 have already started to change. and they are teenagers; early childhood at those ages are over. Their tastes and preferences will also be modified when playing, although we will tell you about this another day.
We will therefore talk about children from the beginning of Primary Education, although of course, A six-year-old child has different interests than another child who is already more focused on their peer group.They are drawn to friendships and social activities more than purely symbolic toys; even so, we have tried to summarize all the toys they might enjoy. This does not mean that if an older child wants to play with toys we should prevent them; on the contrary: Respecting their interests is keyIf you recall, we introduced the idea that between the stages of the game, The Rules Game is found, and it is (approximately) acquired from the age of 6 or 7..
Rules are part of children's play from a very young age, but at this age they are already able to make decisions based on other people, and interpersonal relationships become stronger; it is true that they still possess a characteristic inherent to childhood, which is the search for the immediate and the obtaining of pleasureTherefore, they still perceive the rule we're talking about as win/lose, not in terms of the possibility of negotiating or cooperating. With children over 7 years old, you'll notice a genuine interest in others of the same age and similar, and this influences both the environment in which they prefer to play (the street, the park, the house but with other children) and the toys, which gradually become 'games': board games, team games (table football), etc.
How to choose toys for children from 6 to 10 years: what will we take into account?
- I will not tire of repeating it: safety is the most importantCheck the CE marking and make sure the product is suitable for the child's age.
- Let's avoid gender stereotypes: if a girl wants to play with dolls, let her play; if you prefer to do it with super heroes, too. Diversity in the game It enriches, it does not limit.
- To avoid boredom, look for stimulating and fun toys, let the child participate and be active in the game; There are many little ones who do not like very complex toys because they force them to be passive.
- Learn to distinguish between misleading advertising, and train children to do the same; Teach them to read labels and compare.
- Since at those ages many already have a console (laptop or desktop), or tablet; let's be careful when choosing video games. There is a classification that in Europe responds to the acronym PEGI (over 3, 7, 12, 16 and 18). If you choose games from categories higher than your child's age, you may find inappropriate content for their age.
- Let's make a pact with the extended family: it's not educational for a child to receive more than 3 toys; they should learn to value and care what they receive.
Advanced security checklist and certifications
In addition to the CE marking and PEGI classification, it is advisable to integrate a rapid and systematic review when we buy:
- Certifications and labelsIf you buy from international stores, look for ASTM F963 for toys, UL for electronics, and mentions of CPSC compliance. These are signs of compliance. additional safety tests.
- non-toxic materials: prioritize labels such as “BPA-free” and “phthalate-free” on child-friendly plastics and paints.
- Risk of small parts and magnetsEven if your child is 6-10 years old, check if there are younger siblings. Loose magnets and tiny parts require supervision and separate storage.
- Button batteriesThe compartment must be screwed or with safety lock to prevent accidental access.
- Sound levels: test the volume; some toys are noisier than they seem. Avoid intense exposure protects your hearing.
- Laces and cordsKeep out of reach of long and non-elastic during the game, and avoid unsafe hangs.
- Shop at trusted retailers: avoid counterfeits; cheap replicas They often fail to comply with controls.
- Get rid of the packaging and make sure there are none left staples, bags or foams within reach.
- Durability and maintenance: periodically check wear, edges and joints; repairs or removes the damaged part.
- Protective equipmentWhether you're riding a bike, scooter, or roller skates, always be accompanied by... helmet and protections.
How to adjust the toy to the personality
The choice improves if we consider the temperamentAn explorer-type individual is motivated by motor challenges and science kits; an artistic-type individual is attracted to crafts and instruments; social children enjoy games of role and cooperation; and the more introspective ones connect with readings, puzzles and calm construction projects. The key is balancing interest and challenge.
How to choose toys for children from 6 to 10 years: what toys to give?
It does not hurt, that the children gradually take on the task of collecting and tidying Toys, especially if playing in shared spaces, and that they learn to consider the characteristics of the person they are playing with; for example, a 2-year-old sibling, another child with a disorder that makes communication difficult, etc. Above all, they are people, and we want them to understand and accept the needs of others.
Most appropriate types of toys
- They love them outdoor games: skittles, balls, tops, elastic and jump ropes, stilts, chalk to paint on the floor, etc.
- Toys to move around (watch out! give also helmet and other protections): bicycle, skateboard, scooter.
- Scientific and experimental games (microscope, toys for experimenting with light, etc.), science kits for beginners and small research projects at home.
- Board games (dominoes, chess, Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, etc.), and card games; keep introducing strategy titles progressive
- Car or motorcycle circuits.
- Remote-controlled toys (helicopters or cars) and children's drones with protections.
- Imitation games: kitchen set, knitting game, make up, baby care.
- Stuffed animals, puppets and dolls.
- Construction sets with small pieces (like LEGO or Playmobil) and advanced models from 8-9 years old.
- Symbolic game: costumes, accessories.
- Musical instruments and starter sets.
- Paintings, gardening games, more complex puzzles.
- Video games with PEGI compliant and parental controls.
- Books (appropriate in format and content at his age), I consider them essential.
- Experiences: tickets to museums, creative workshops, shows or nature parks that complement interests.
Proposals within the 6-10 range
- 6-7 years: simple rule games, 100-200 piece puzzles, basic building sets, light and magnetism experimentslong illustrated stories.
- 8-9 years: family strategy games, STEM kits (electrical circuits, safe household chemistry), children's robotics by blocks, DIY projects, children's novels by chapters.
- 10 yearsLogic challenges, model kits with instructionsSimple programming, deeper tabletop strategy, team sports with adapted equipment.
Video games: enjoy responsibly
Consoles and tablets can contribute learning and coordination If you choose them well. Always use them PEGI 3/7/12 based on the content and set time limits. Activate parental controlsdisable in-app purchases and prefer games that encourage solving problems and cooperation.
As you'll see, there are more gift options; the difficult part is responding to children's interests. To do this, you should talk to them about their preferences, and listen to them
Organizing play at home: order, rotation, and coexistence of ages
For everything to work, it is advisable rotate toys Every few weeks, separate by age (tall boxes for small parts if there are little ones), and label with labelsInvolve your children in the maintenance and inspection: repair, recycle or donate what you no longer use.
Outdoor play and sport
Playing outdoors multiplies the benefits: motor skills, health and socializationOpt for balls, ropes, badminton, skateboarding or cycling, always with protections and clear rules for safe use. Exploration kits (binoculars, flashlight, nature notebook) fuel the scientific curiosity.
How to talk to your child successfully
Before buying, conduct a short interview: what they like to do, what challenges they want to take on, who they will play with, and where. That way align expectations and budget, and you reduce impulse purchases. A good practice is to combine a desired toy with another that expand your skills.
As you can see, our series of articles dedicated to the choice of toys, it is being completed little by littleWe'll continue with other related content that we're sure you'll enjoy. Always remember that they are still children, and that play is a... necesidad For them, you must respect and facilitate it. Choosing well isn't just about finding the right gift: it's take care of their development, their safety and their desire to learn, today and in the coming years.
Images — (Second) John-morgan, (Fourth) jen_rab, (Last) storebukkebruse.