As the cycle of hot weather peaks and troughs, so does the attention span of schoolchildren in the middle of their summer holidays – and parents are faced with the question: how can we keep the kids entertained until the September term starts?
The answer does not have to be to plop a child in front of the television, or hand them a smartphone. There are several toys designed to distract them for hours on end – without a screen in sight.
“The aim is to choose toys that can grow with your child and keep them engaged,” says Dr Shruti Nathwani, an NHS GP with paediatric training, and mother-of-two. When chosen well, Shruti says, children will return to these toys time and again, no matter their age.
Five parenting experts share their favourite and affordable children’s games – from the cheapest card game at £6, to a camera at just £29. All the experts are united on one thing: the best toys are those that allow and encourage imagination and, if possible, movement.
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