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TWU professor
says imagination is child’s play
2006
DENTON —
Parents who invest a lot of time and thought into choosing
Christmas gifts for their child may find themselves frustrated
when the child plays with the box the present came in rather
than the gift itself.
Dr. Ron Fannin,
associate professor of family science and coordinator of the
child development program at Texas Woman University, advises
parents to relax — it’s all part of growing up.
“When children
are doing these things, such as pretending a box is a rocket
ship or a car, they’re projecting what they want to
have going on in their lives,” he said.
Many of today’s
toys don’t require much of the children playing with
them, Dr. Fannin said.
“Many times,
we’re caught by our own technology. The toys do everything
— we just watch,” he said. “As adults, we
buy toys all the time. Ours are just more expensive and less
involved. If a child has a toy, he wants to use it.”
Small children
enjoy both physical and imaginary involvement with their toys.
Dr. Fannin said a better question for parents considering
gifts is what will hold the child’s interest.
“Toys should
be chosen with an eye toward stimulating the child’s
imagination,” he said. “Because of this, sometimes
the toy with the fewer bells and whistles is more engaging.
The simple toy requires the child to involve himself or herself
more fully into the play experience. This is a very good thing.”
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