Parents often think that expensive developmental toys are important for a child's growth and learning. New research shows that the best for a child's brain is not toys at all, but exposure to unusual safe objects.
Experiment with New Objects
Research student Delaney Whitmer from Arizona State University conducted an experiment with 32 children aged two to four years. The children were allowed to play with both familiar toys (dolls, cars, plastic products) and new objects — most often kitchen utensils: whisks, potato mashers, strainers, watering cans, and colanders.
The results showed:
- Children touched unfamiliar objects an average of 40 times in 10 minutes, while familiar toys were touched about 30 times.
- Each interaction with a new object lasted longer.
- New items "captured" attention and encouraged children to look at their parents more often, trying to understand how to play with them.
Why This Works
According to Whitmer, novelty helps children shift their focus from the familiar to the new, stimulating exploratory behavior and cognitive development. Interaction with objects plays a key role in the development of memory and cognitive skills.
Tips for Parents
- Do not limit children to just toys — confidently introduce them to new safe items at home.
- Even a few minutes of play with an unusual object helps the brain better absorb information and prepares for future learning.
- Support the child's natural curiosity: allow them to explore objects with family, including during meals, which fosters healthy habits.
Thus, new, unexpected objects prove to be more effective than familiar toys, stimulating the child's attention, imagination, and exploratory interest.
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