Toys children play with have 'profound effect on their success in adult life'

The type of toys children play with can have a profound effect on their success in adult life, according to an academic report.

Dr Jacqueline Harding, a child behavioural expert, said repetitive childhood play can provide a long-lasting memory imprint and have the potential to subconsciously steer their career path.

And they can help develop and deepen problem solving abilities and improve imagination and creativity.

Dr Harding explained how joy in early life from playing with toys can become a strong driver in later life decisions.

It follows research of 1,000 parents, of 0-7 year olds, which found 75 per cent buy toys they hope will contribute towards their child’s future success.

More than half (51 per cent) deem their child’s playthings very important to developing their critical skills, crucial for everyday life.

The study was commissioned by Mattel, creators of Thomas & Friends, which has released a white paper from King’s College, London, revealing the social and cognitive benefits of train play for children.

The biggest benefit parents believe children get from toys when it comes to improving critical skills is the improvement in their fine motor skills (68 per cent).

Almost as many (67 per cent) said it was how toys drive imagination and creativity, while 63 per cent think toys can help with problem-solving skills.

While 86 per cent went as far as saying they think toys can have a large or moderate impact on improving a child’s chances of a successful career, in the future.

But when it comes to actually choosing toys for their children, the top priority is that it they are age-appropriate (59 per cent).

Others want to ensure the toy is safe (55 per cent) or more than its perceived educational value (47 per cent).

It also emerged 58 per cent have particular brands or toy lines they turn specifically for their developmental value.

But 21 per cent fear their little ones don’t play with educational toys as much as they’d like, according to the OnePoll.com data.

TOP 10 TIPS ON CHOOSING A TOY FOR A CHILD, ACCORDING TO JACQUELINE HARDING

1. Take time to watch your child playing and try to get ‘into their thinking’ – what appears to light up their brain?

2. Guide children towards toys and play experiences that meet the need for them at their stage of development.

3. Be aware of the types of play that can aid them in their future – toys that help them begin to connect with others (when they are developmentally ready and able to do so).

4. Play with your child in a way that does not take over but allows them agency - a little control.

5. At other times, sit back and allow your child space to think while they play - being mindful that in their brain so much is taking place.