Those of you who usually read Peques and Más, know that we have very present the very important role that the game occupies in the physical, psychological and social development of children.
That is why a few months ago we interviewed Inma Marín, as representative of the Observatory of Children's Games in Spain. And it is also the reason that today we are talking with two people who also know a lot about children's play, and they are also parents.
Olga and Fernando have two children aged eight and six, and they are in charge of the online store El País de los Juguetes, a wonderful space that aims (above all) to enhance the creative capacity of children. They have become game experts, and not only for their professional dedication, but also thanks to their children, to those we imagine as guides to whom we can observe, and from which to learn.
Olga and Fernando have told us that as parents they are very interested in the game world, and believe in their educational values. They have turned El País de los Juguetes into a family project, after turning their career paths (Fernando had worked in executive positions, and Olga is a psychologist specializing in family care).
I invite you to continue reading this interview that tells us about the benefits of the game for children, and gives us some recommendations of toys for pre-adolescent children.
Peques and More.- I'm curious to know where does the name 'The Country of Toys' come from?
The Country of Toys.- It is a story to which we have a lot of love.
One night, I was reading a book for my son who asked me: - But dad, does the rooster Kiriko really exist? - Sure - and where do you live? - In the Country of Stories.
And so we discover the Land of Tales.
This was the first seed. Later, Toy Country was born, a place inhabited by children, fathers, mothers, grandparents and all those who like to play. In this country, toys come alive and join them. It is a magical place where children play, learn and have fun.
In both types of children's play, the free search appears the intelligent resolution of situations, the satisfaction of a need to know and integrate
PyM.- Children's games better with or without toys?
EPJ.- We understand that a toy can be any object that children use to play (a stick, a stone ...).
The game without toys is positive, like the baby who plays with his hand or the children who play “pilla-pilla”. We would not know which is better ...
Boys and girls need both types of games. For example, around 3 years the symbolic game appears that is characterized by a real-life interpretation, and they need objects to perform the actions of their daily reality: dolls, toy cars, kitchens ...
PyM.- Do not you think that nowadays children should stop playing too soon ?, I mean that sometimes we see boys and girls who at eight years do not have time, or seem to want to have passed childhood.
EPJ.- From the Gross instinct theory, the game is a preparatory exercise for the development of functions that are necessary in adulthood, believes that through play the child has the opportunity to exercise the forms of behavior and feelings corresponding to the culture where they live. It is the environment that offers the child the possibility of developing their individual abilities through play. Children from different cultures play differently.
Boys and girls get carried away by the prevailing culture. Children from 8 to 12 years old have a series of needs in the individual sphere, but also in the social one. For parents it is more comfortable to be at home in front of some "screen", but then other problems such as obesity, myopia will appear ... We are the parents who have to provide an environment that promotes the game just as we motivate them to go to school although They don't want to.
We understand that the game is fundamental in the education of our children and a fundamental tool that will help them to become better adults. That is why we want to offer educational, beautiful and quality toys that encourage the development of our children
PyM.- Tell us the benefits that in your opinion brings the game to children.
EPJ.- As we have said before it helps the development of necessary functions in adulthood. The child learns to control and understand his physical and social environment. Some parents see their sons and daughters as a sack of skills to develop and play as an instrument for their training, but they are wrong.
The benefit of the game is to make those who play happy, get rid of stereotyped roles and what is right and wrong.
Children who have had free play are usually more creative and emotionally more stable..
PyM.- And now could you give us parents any advice to encourage them in our family?
EPJ.- Go outside to play, go to the mountains or the beach. If it is not possible to go near a sports court or the park. Also let the child decide what he wants to play and if he wants to do it with his parents or alone. No need to show compliments, just be an equal partner and not question what he decides (eg if he decides that a pirate plays a mother).
It's advisable encourage him to play with more children, without forcing him to have to share his toys, as well as investigate what the child's interests are and look for activities related to that interest.
Above all, enjoy the game and the childrenIt is a beautiful stage that is worth taking advantage of.
Some parents see their sons and daughters as a sack of skills to develop and play as an instrument for their training, but they are wrong
PyM.- On your website I find 'we want our toys to encourage their curiosity and their enthusiasm to learn in a playful way, promoting their intellectual, emotional and social abilities'. Is there any type of toy that can be considered a distinctive sign of The Country of Toys?
EPJ.- It is a difficult question, the first one that has come to mind is the wooden rainbow.
They are 6 pieces of wood with natural dyes that let you feel the touch of wood. It can become bridges for cars, houses for dolls or build multiple forms very original. It is a precious toy that can accompany children in their games for many years.
PyM.- How is your offer different from the whole 'more commercial' range of toys that we find in the market?
EPJ.- As parents we found that the supply of toys is limited and often transmits values that we do not share. When we have been traveling we have seen beautiful toys that are not easy to find here.
We understand that the game is fundamental in the education of our children and a fundamental tool that will help them become better adults. That is why we want to offer educational, beautiful and quality toys that foster the development of our children.
PyM.- What requirements should a toy for pre-adolescent children meet (from the age of eight)? Recommend me three toys for these ages that have fun, entertain and be simple, is it possible?
EPJ.- In our blog there is a post dedicated to this topic. We have an 8 year old son who helps us. We could recommend scientific games like Magnetic Science that encourage curiosity and learning, or logic games like Road Block or crafts such as Art with flowers that increase consecration and self-improvement.
Once the interview is over and before transferring our thanks to Fernando and Olga, I would like to give you this phrase that I found on the website The Country of Toys: 'we believe that the game is an essential part of education'.
They want their toys to encourage their curiosity and the illusion of learning in a playful way, promoting their intellectual, emotional and social capacities. We invite you to get to know them better, and we thank you very much for finding a place to be in Peques y Más.
And of course we wish you many successes with your initiative.
Images / More information | The Country of Toys In Sin and More | Play contributes to children's health, and through play children can express themselves freely. Interview with Imma Marín
