Call for return to life in slow lane
There has been a call for a return to traditional toys, like building blocks. Credit: Getty
There is a growing movement for a return to traditional toys so that children can learn for themselves and develop their imaginations.
When one toy manufacturer released a bassinet complete with a tablet holder, it triggered a revolt from parents demanding the product be pulled.
Now early childhood experts want a return to the traditional building blocks of life for education, the so-called slow toys like jigsaws and board games.
With the arrival of the tablet generation many are concerned at the possible cost to our children's development.
Dr Sheila Degotardi, of the Institute of Early Childhood, said: "I think that what we're seeing in the community now is a recognition that children need time to play.
"Babies learn through social interaction with other people and they learn through their senses and they learn by moving and manipulating objects. They do not learn by looking at a screen.
"When we are wanting children to grow up to be innovative thinkers this is where it starts, this is where the foundations get laid."
Blogger Kim Cotton is leading a new charge among modern mums to turn back time on toys.
She said: "Slow toys allow children to have a moment to breathe in their very, very fast-paced lives."
Nobody is calling for a techno toy ban. Screens are all around us and it is acknowledged it is important children are introduced to them. But the experts say it is all about getting the balance right.
Our experts say the top five toys for early learning are:
A box of old clothes for dressing up
Playdough
Jigsaw puzzles
Soft toys
Building blocks
