«Mr Zimpel, what do you think of toy weapons?»

Mr Zimpel, how many toys does a child really need?

At pre-school age, the maximum is four. Generally speaking, less is more. However, children's rooms are bleak without soft toys and games. That's why toys belong in every nursery.

Are too many toys bad?

It becomes problematic when there are too many toys lying around. This is because, from the child's point of view, these also 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.

What do you think of Lego and Playmobil?

The beauty of these games is their versatility. Children construct something different 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. That's why
is why balls and blocks are among the most popular toys, because they allow children's imaginations to run wild.

Should parents buy their children toy guns?

My son was very interested in guns, but I had banned him from having them because I was very pro-peace at the time. That's when he started converting everything into a weapon and I realised how pointless my ban was. Today he is a doctor and not the least bit aggressive. If a child likes to play with laser guns or weapons, you should ask yourself where this desire comes from. As a rule, it is based on the need to be respected and noticed. A child who arms himself wants to make himself a head taller.

How can parents teach their children the joy of playing?

Folding a piece of paper is not exciting for a child because they don't recognise the point. But when a paper becomes an aeroplane, the interest is suddenly there. Parents should therefore always ask themselves what the child is interested in when playing. With older children, I recommend the following trick: You do something that you want the child to do. Then say: «Oh, that's not really for you yet.» This motivates the child even more.

Should you put toys away with your child?

It is educationally more valuable to do this together with the child. Children can sort things at a young age, but they only develop the ability to share later. Parents should refrain from secretly taking away their child's toys, even if it is for a good cause. It helps if you show a photo of the child you would like to give a present to. Almost all children will be very generous.
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About the person

André Frank Zimpel is Professor of Educational Science at the University of Hamburg. He has been researching the mental development of children for 20 years, in particular play diagnostics and play promotion.

Read more?
This is an article from the dossier on play from our August magazine (08/16). You can reorder it here.