The Importance Of Solo And Team Games And Toys

There are many ways in which it is possible to group or divide children's toys, but one possible way to do this is to split them into those toys which are to be played with as a solitary activity, those in which a partner is required, and those which involve a larger group of participants.

Each of these categories has its own values and benefits, and making sure your child has access to thee, and the opportunities to play them, will go a long way to providing them with the range of learning experiences that will be highly valuable.

Games or toys which can be played with on their own are prevalent, and provide the child with opportunities to write their own rules, not constrained by either written requirements or group tactics.

Jigsaw puzzles, Rubik's cubes, musical instruments and other single player toys allow the child time alone, to be quietly their own person.

It is important for any child that they do not see themselves as always in constant need of attention, or even part of a group. Sometimes we either need to be alone, left to our own devices, or we choose to be. Children are very rarely left on their own, and although it would be foolish to suggest that you leave your child entirely unsupervised, it is important that they are allowed the chance to absorb themselves into their own private world, devoid of parents, adults, or even friends.
A child who can be as happy with his or her own company as with others is a child who is likely to be less demanding, less selfish and more thoughtful.

Having said that, it is, of course, important that a child, from a very early age, has the opportunity to play either with a partner or a group of friends. Such team activities allows them to develop a range of important social skills which will stand them in good stead for life.
Simple skills such as listening carefully to what the other person is saying, and responding appropriately.
Even just understanding and appreciating that other people have different opinions or ideas from your own, and that they are as individual as you. This is a very high concept for a child to master, and when they do begin to appreciate that people have their differences, but these are not necessarily right or wrong, they will be progressing significantly towards becoming a social creature rather than a purely selfish one.

All young children are naturally selfish - it's their survival instinct handed down over many thousands of years, but once they reach a certain age, this needs to be shaken off and a social awareness developed.
Playing with toys that require a partnership or small group gives them this chance.

Games, such as board games, that require thought, tactics and an awareness of the other person's point of view are crucial to conscious awareness of the other person's point of view.

Physical games, such as ball games, similarly require an awareness of the other people, and may go on to help develop teamwork, leadership, and creating tactics on the move. These are all essential human skills, and this range of games and toys will help your child develop the range of cognitive, cultural and social skills they will need to become fully fledged members of our society.