Who has not enjoyed their childhood? The beauty of remembering my mother in my childhood looking for objects or materials to turn them into toys for us is incomparable, unforgettable moments that they keep in time and the soul.
In truth, seeing how boxes, bottles, paper, scraps of cloth, socks, etc., were transformed into unique and special toys made our family life happier, regardless of the circumstances we had. Those toys had a very creative stamp and signature, particular and full of feelings.
Now, in my professional life, I have understood and learned that multiple studies show that these have always been present in humanity’s history. Our ancestral infants were happy playing and creating toys with a stick, paper, dry leaves, etc., they used various objects that they found on their way and came to life by putting a name.
Any material or object can be transformed into a toy when using imagination and creativity, this flows spontaneously; For example, a piece of paper can be an airplane or take the shape of an animal, a stone can be used to delimit spaces or maybe paint it and turn it into a paper sheet, a large box can be a house or a car, bottles or jars can become a rattle, everything is useful and very simple to create.
Thus, toys play a preponderant role in early childhood because they learn and evolve quickly. Toys support connection with our young children through the act of creative play.
In this first stage, from 0 to 3 years, we observe that children do not need sophisticated toys. Handmade and straightforward toys can be made with materials or objects that we have at home. We can play using our voice, and our hands to massage, lull them, tell them that we love them, sing to them, listen to music, and tell them short stories; these are games that little ones enjoy.
Let us remember that every child has the right to play at home, play outdoors, go for a walk, and learn about their surroundings; This will allow a safe, happy, and healthy development of the toddler.
