As parents, we want to do everything we can to help our kids succeed. We sign them up for music lessons and soccer practice and buy them the latest toys that promise to help them learn and grow. One of the latest trends in children’s toys is ride-on toys. But do they help kids develop skills that will help them in the real world? Let’s take a look at the research!
There has yet to be much research on ride-on toys and their specific usage in helping kids develop real-life driving skills. Ride-on toys are a niche subject, and the number of studies that help understand the impact of the toy is limited. Of the ones that have been done, there is more than talk about how they help develop motor and cognitive skills. However, there are a few things that we can learn from it.
In a study done on two-year-olds, it was found that those who frequently rode tricycles had better-developed gross motor skills than those who didn’t. This is important because gross motor skills are necessary for activities like riding a bike or rollerblading. Another study looked at the cognitive benefits of ride-on toys. It found that children who played with them had better problem-solving skills than those who didn’t. This is likely because ride-on toys require children to think about how to move forward and navigate around obstacles.
The application of ride-on toys isn’t just limited to developing sound motor skills in children. It also extends towards enabling quick decision-making. Research by the University of Missouri found that children who frequently played with ride-on toys were better at making quick decisions than those who didn’t. This is likely because they constantly have to make split-second decisions about which way to go and what to do next. However, the degree of improvement was found to be small.
Cognitive skills are another area that has been exclusively researched by looking at the benefits of ride-on toys. One study found that children who frequently played with ride-on cars had better-developed spatial awareness than those who didn’t. Spatial awareness is important for activities like Parallel Parking. The ability to judge distances and understand the relationship between objects is crucial for success in this activity. Another study found that children who frequently played with ride-on toys had better-developed executive function skills. Executive function skills are important for activities like planning and organization. This is likely because ride-on toys require children to think about how to move forward and navigate around obstacles.
So, what does this all mean? The research on ride-on toys is still in its early stages, and more studies need to be done to fully understand the impact of these toys on children’s development. However, the studies suggest ride-on toys can help children develop important motor, cognitive, and decision-making skills. So, if you’re looking for a toy to help your child learn and grow, a ride-on toy might be a good option.
When buying a ride-on toy for your child, it’s important to consider their age and development stage. Choose a toy that is appropriate for their skills and abilities. For example, a simple push toy might be appropriate for a younger child, while a more complex ride-on toy would be better suited for an older child. It’s also important to consider the safety of the toy. Ensure the toy is well-constructed and has no sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Also, be sure to supervise your child when they are playing with the toy. Ride-on toys can be dangerous if used improperly.
This is where the safety measures come in. When buying a ride-on toy, you must get one that adheres to safety standards. This is important because it will help avoid accidents when your child is playing with the toy. Some of the things you need to look for are:
– The toy should be made of high-quality materials that are non-toxic and safe for children to use.
– The toy should be well-constructed and free of sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard.
– The toy should have a helmet and other safety gear to protect your child while riding.
– You should always supervise your child when playing with the toy.
Ride-on toys can be a great way for children to develop important motor, cognitive, and decision-making skills. However, choosing a toy appropriate for your child’s age and development stage is important. Additionally, you should always supervise your child when playing with the toy and ensure it adheres to safety standards. A ride-on toy might be a good option if you’re looking for a toy that can help your child learn and grow. Just be sure to consider all of the factors before making your purchase.
