KIDS AGES - and toys....

gregory04210 wrote: What do you think about ages on toys??? Alex and i play with a race car set that is recomended for 8+ (Alex is only 2) I dont see it unsafe as long as you watch him with it, and he plays great with it for a little while with me..

Brias3 replied: I try and go by some of them but for the most part, just have to watch them with certain things. Funny you mention this- I was just talking about this subject with a girlfriend earlier. I feel as though going by the age recommendation on toys is nearly impossible after your first because what am I supposed to do, tell my 7-year old that he can't have certain toys around because he has younger siblings? I think most toys can be left up to your supervision and discretion.

CantWait replied:
You said it right. I only use those as a guideline, but only you know your kids.

luvmykids replied: I think the other thing toy companies use as a factor other than safety is interest level and ability. We've gotten the kids some "older" kid toys and they just don't quite grasp it sometimes so they end up bored with it.

mckayleesmom replied: I try to follow the guidlines, but like others said....Its near impossible to find your younger child toys because the older one already owns the ones for their age and you can't keep your child from playing with their toys because they have a younger sibling......All my kids toys are downstairs and they only have a few age appropriate in their rooms....When they are downstairs...Im right there....so thats the best I can do.

redchief replied: Kid's ages are guidelines, usually with the focus being on safety. As long as you're supervising I don't see why you and your son can't play with a toy you both enjoy together.

DVFlyer replied: I think as long as the child likes the toys and they are not dangerous, anything goes. Our kids have had the most fun with cardboard boxes made up as houses. Or clear containers with stuff put in them that rattles.

MommyToAshley replied: When Ashley was younger, I followed the under three rule just because I was afraid of small parts. But, if you are right there watching him, then I think it should be fine.

Sounds like a fun way to spend some time with your son. DH has been looking for a good race track for Ashley and himself...haha.

TheOaf66 replied: I think under supervision, pretty much any toy is fine, just use common sense and judgement (fathers sometimes accused of lacking both)

Boo&BugsMom replied: I usually buy things that are a little older than what he is because they outgrow things so easily and he is usually ready for toys before the "recommended" age on the boxes. I think many kids can handle a lot of toys that are out of their recommended stated age on the box. I think Tanner has many things that are not recommended for his age, like his Leap Pad Plus Writing he got when he turned 3 and it is for ages 4-8. But he does great with it. I would just look at each individual child, you can't go wrong with that.

kimberley replied:
i agree.. on the first part and no comment on the second part lol

salmndr007 replied: Man, I remember when my mom would give me these little plastic blocks...they could fit perfectly in your mouth and they came wilth little plastic men whose heads would pop off....then we got these wooden log type things which, I am sure, if you ran fast enough with them in your hands (better these than scisors right) it could still do some damage if you fell on them.

Yea...those were the days...leggos and link-n-logs

TheOaf66 replied: i remember the days when when I could have fun with some fire crackers and a book of matches and my parents didn't think anything of it, nowadays they would be shot for letting me have any of those.

Ashlynn's Mommy replied: I never go by the age requirements. My baby is 5 months old and she is playing with big elmo dolls that sing. I think it depends on the child.