This mother was shocked by the changes in the toy department and wondered if what she saw was okay for her children’s development.
“I’m really curious to see what the internet thinks about this,” says TikTok user Elizabeth Marcelena (@elizabeth.marcelena) in a viral video.
First, let’s be clear: toys are designed to entertain children, but they also serve the important function of supporting their mental and physical development, stimulating their creativity, and providing them with opportunities for social interaction.
To put it simply, play is an important part of a child’s development.
That’s why Marcelena, a mother of four children (a 1-year-old, an 8-year-old, a 10-year-old and a 13-year-old), was so shocked by what she saw.
Parents are speechless in Walmart’s toy department
In the viral video, which has been viewed more than 8 million times, Marcelena films the toy section of her local Walmart, sharing how shocked she is at how much baby toys have changed in the past decade since when her oldest child was a baby.
The Baby-sized items in the toy aisle included fake AirPods, something that looks like a Stanley mug with coffee in it, a game controller, a smartphone, a GameBoy, a Rubik’s Cube, a Switch, a dumbbelland a TV remote control.
“I don’t really know what to think about it. Honestly, I’m not sure. I’m curious what all the online teachers think about it,” Marcelena says. “…I think hands-on, project-based learning is great, but is it like the new wave of learning?”
One commenter reported that the pediatrician said that the more a toy does, the less the child learns.
What effect do modern toys have on children?
A 2016 study from Northern Arizona University found that electronic toys, such as baby laptops and cell phones, do not promote language development in toddlers as well as books and traditional toys, such as building blocks and puzzles. Instead, they provide a distraction and leave less room for children’s participation.
“I have a few of these, not for learning but to get her to stop touching my things lol,” commented one parent.
Several people have pointed out that while it may seem a little dystopian to see replicas of popular adult items as baby toys, it’s similar to the way toys have always been.
“It’s tailored to the technology we have today. I’m 26, we had toys tailored to the technology we had back then,” said one commenter.
“I think it’s because babies want what you want so they tend to build toys in the shape of things you would have, Stanley, earbuds, Xbox remote etc lol so things you wouldn’t normally want to touch,” added another.
Another pointed out that the equivalent in the 80s was miniature versions of plastic keys, a record player and makeup.
The consensus in the comments section was clear. Of the top 10 comments, eight specifically said they prefer Montessori toys.
“My kids play with these things for about a minute and then they get bored. Montessori toys are the solution,” was the top comment.
“I’m a primary school teacher here, my children have them because they were given them as a gift. I think they’re good as long as there’s a good mix of Montessori toys for learning!” said one teacher.
However, many people weren’t sure what Montessori toys actually are.
“According to the comments section, I got a Montessori toy and my one year old is now learning basic math,” wrote one commenter.
@elizabeth.marcelena #Toys #EducationalToys #LearnThroughPlay #KidsToys #StayAtHomeMom #Homeschooling #MomLife #Parenting #EarlyLearning #Playtime #ChildDevelopment #KidsActivities #HomeschoolMom #TeacherResources #PreschoolActivities #KidsTeaching #ToddlerActivities #MommyHacks #HandsOnLearning #STEMToys #MontessoriToys #CreativePlay #EducationalToys #LearningResources #HomeschoolCommunity #KidsBooks #PlayBasedLearning #FamilyFun #CraftyMom #DIYActivities #KidsLearning #MomsOnInstagram #ParentingTips ♬ Original Sound – Elizabeth Marcelena INC
What are Montessori toys?
Montessori toys are educational toys designed to support hands-on learning. They are usually made of natural materials such as wood and fabric and make little to no noise. Montessori toys encourage creativity and independence and develop age-appropriate skills such as problem-solving, motor skills and language development.
Some examples of Montessori toys include building blocks to build spatial awareness and fine motor skills, puzzles for problem solving and hand-eye coordination, and small brooms to mimic real-life skills.
The Daily Dot reached out to Marcelena for comment via direct message on Instagram and TikTok.
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