Old School Vs. New Technology: Toys in 2007

We live in a society where everything can be accomplished on line. One never needs to leave their home and experience the outer world. Where this can be an ideal setting for a lot of adults, is it fair to expect our children to live in the same way? Technology is a wonderful evolution that has added many developments to the progression of mankind. Everyday life, as we know it, is touched by the many conveniences that technology has provided. Our children do reap the benefits of the technology evolution, but do we expose them to this high tech lifestyle too early? Children begin developing patterns in the womb. It stands to reason that the toys we select for them ,also play a role in this pattern development.

Old school toys vs. the video market: What is best for our next generation? Games like Jacks, Tidily Winks, Marbles, Checkers and Pick Up Stix all promote hand/eye coordination and problem solving skills. These games can be played indoors or outdoors and they can involve multiple challengers. This enhances the self confidence, competitive spirit and social skills of the child. The fact that these games are so basic can also encourage children to create new games from the original ones. This creative process can motivate the development of their reasoning and engineering abilities. The "next level" for basic gaming, is something the child must invent on his own. Basic gaming is also cost effective and non addictive. The only equipment needed is the actual game and the child's imagination.