Lots of toys make a child feel loved. Right?

Educational myth 8:

Lots of toys make a child feel loved. Right?
Lots of toys make a child feel loved. Right?

That's what the expert says:

«At pre-school age, a child needs a maximum of four toys. Generally speaking, less is more. However, children's rooms are bleak without soft toys and games. That's why every nursery should have toys. It becomes problematic if there are too many toys lying around. This is because, from the child's point of view, they radiate an expectation, namely to play with them. Overstimulation leads to children not being able to immerse themselves in their play because they constantly feel this invitation. Toys that are not fixed, such as balls or blocks or construction games, are ideal. They give children's imaginations free rein, and the beauty of these games is their versatility: children construct something different from them at every stage of their lives. As a baby, they put a toy in their mouth and throw it around. Later, a building block becomes a car. And role-playing games come even later. As a rule, such games are always better than fixed games.»

André Zimpel ist Professor für Erziehungswissenschaft an der Universität Hamburg. Er befasst sich seit 20 Jahren mit der geistigen Entwicklung von Kindern, insbesondere mit Spieldiagnostik und Spielförderung. Er ist verheiratet und Vater von zwei Kindern.
André Zimpel is Professor of Educational Science at the University of Hamburg. He has been specialising in the mental development of children for 20 years, particularly in play diagnostics and play promotion. He is married and has two children.

All parenting myths at a glance:

Parenting knowledge instead of parenting myths!
You can find all the myths in our dossier: 15 parenting myths

Read the answers to 15 parenting myths here:

  • Good grades should be rewarded with money
  • Withdrawal of mobile phones as a punishment makes sense
  • A child with a lot of freedom becomes more responsible
  • Only children are spoilt and can't share
  • Kids who fight become criminals
  • Arguing with your children makes them quarrelsome
  • Children should not be forbidden to do anything, otherwise they will become little rebels
  • Children of divorce are incapable of relationships
  • Defiant children need tougher parenting
  • You can no longer educate 13-year-olds
  • As parents, you should also be your children's best friends
  • A child should receive a smartphone from Year 1
  • Children who receive early support become more successful
  • A slap in the face has never hurt a child
"150 questions - 150 answers on parenting, family and school". In the 132-page guide, 51 experts have their say. New subscribers receive the booklet free of charge. A single issue costs CHF 14.90 plus postage; you can order it here.
"150 questions - 150 answers on education, family and school".
The 132-page guidebook features 51 experts. New subscribers receive the booklet free of charge. A single issue costs CHF 14.90 plus postage; you can order it here.

More educational knowledge about toys:

  • Playing without toys - a kindergarten puts it to the test
    What happens in a kindergarten when all the books, cuddly toys, Duplos and dressing-up clothes temporarily go into the cellar? We accompanied a kindergarten class that went completely toy-free for three months.
  • Toys: less is more
    Children's play doesn't just take place outside, but also within their own four walls. Children's rooms are usually completely overloaded within a few years. How do you get out of the consumer trap?
  • «Mr Zimpel, what do you think of toy weapons?»
    Educationalist André Frank Zimpel is the best-known researcher in Europe to study early childhood development and play in particular. Why too many toys are harmful to children - now in an interview.
  • 10 questions about development and psychology
    How important are siblings? What can I do if a child often hits or snaps? Experts answer these and other questions in our dossier on development and psychology.