Play is one of the most important needs your child has. Children need time and space to play - to build, to imagine, to wonder, to create, to marvel at nature, to enjoy company or be alone. As parents, it is up to us to make sure that our children have the freedom to play. And since play is instrumental in children’s learning, choosing toys wisely will pay off in the long term for you, your child and your wallet!For wonderful play and learning opportunities, consider the following:

• Puppets and dolls that can “be anyone”, according to a child’s imagination, will promote rich, engaging play and conversation. This pretend play allows children to experience roles different from the ones they have in real life.

• Tactile activities, like play-dough, clay, sand and water play are important for small muscle development and great opportunities for expressing emotions. Many boys prefer hands-on, active play. There are lots of toys that are designed to be used with water, sand, clay and dough, along with imagination.

• Card and board games are valuable learning tools as children develop skills in taking turns, sharing, and understanding rules. Group games are also helpful for language development and learning about negotiation.

• Outdoor play can be encouraged by providing simple props. The backyard can become a jungle with a few toy animals, or a racing circuit with some little cars. Ball games will help develop large muscle skills, as will skipping, running and climbing. Kites, cricket bats, a mini-fishing set and ride-on toys are great fun too.

• Dress-ups are always popular with girls and boys, and can lead to the most wonderful pretend play that gives children the chance to be whoever they want to be. Of course, dress-ups don’t have to cost much – they may be clothes you no longer want to wear, opportunity shop finds or even just pieces of fabric. Don’t forget the hats, bags, ties and jewellery!

• Creative play involving chalk, pencils, paint, paper, scissors and paste opens up endless possibilities for a child to make, re-make, test and try out new skills and ideas, problem-solve and express his or her emotions. Small muscle and literacy skills are developed, as well as hand-to-eye coordination.

• Construction toys are a great way to promote an awareness of space. The concepts of number, shape, size and colour can be learned through building with blocks and other construction sets, doing jigsaw puzzles and with posting boxes.

• Music is a relaxing, stress-free experience and can be used for children of all ages. It can be comforting for a sad child or help with body awareness through dance. Songs contribute to the early learning of language. And children can make their own music with just about anything!

• Books are, of course, vital in the lives of children. Whether a toddler is looking at the pictures in a board-book, or you are reading a story to your “preppie”, or your ten-year-old is working her way through the “Harry Potter” series, the power of language is immense.

Copyright Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, 2010