Some parents, concerned about children's academic performance and stressed by escalating external pressure to meet societal expectations, often ask: "Why play?"

Play is essential to kids' development and should be recognized as the "work of children." Children play constantly and need plenty of opportunities to play—and good toys can help.

Toys are an important part of every child's life. It is a wonderful feeling to give the right toy. However, selecting one is a challenge. Making choices from among thousands of possibilities can be daunting.

A good toy is one that fits your child's age, skills, needs and specific interests. It is a toy or play product that best fits your child now. It will enable the child to use what abilities he or she has to make the most of the toy. At best, it will benefit the child by teaching a skill and having fun in the process.

Select toys that offer a good balance to your child's activities. A wide variety of toys provide activity, creativity, and learning:

• Activity toys develop coordination and improve small and large motor skills and balance. Begin with balls and beanbags then, when the child is ready, move to ride-ons and skill toys like jump ropes and Hula Hoops. Don't forget that gardening, nature walks and free-form exploring are all forms of "play," too.
• Creativity toys stimulate self-expression. The child can draw pictures with crayons, finger paints and watercolors. Your child will find clay or Play-doh creative. Craft sets provide a lot of play value and learning. Children learn from following directions for a sequence of activities and gain satisfaction in completing a project. Don't forget more free-form activities like making something from a cardboard box to stimulate the imagination.
• Learning products contribute to the acquisition of knowledge. They include books, tapes, videos, software, CDs, puzzles and board games. A child should read books, listen to electronic media, solve puzzles and play games. Take time to read stories, create a puppet show or build with blocks together.

All the while, remember that the right toy or play product at the right time can make a big difference in what your child takes from the experience.

Before you purchase any children's toy or other play product, ask yourself these questions:

1. Is the product appropriate now considering the child's age, skill and abilities?
2. Is the product well-designed? Is it safe? Are there any potential hazards such as sharp edges, parts that can be swallowed or loose ties? Is it nontoxic? How durable is it? Will it take rough treatment? Is there a guarantee on the product?
3. Is the product appealing? Is it something that the child will enjoy using for a long time? Is it versatile?
4. Does the product offer an opportunity to stimulate creativity? The right products in the arts, crafts, hobbies, language, reading, music, movement and drama categories can greatly help to expand a child's imagination and comprehension.
5. Does the product match the packaging? Is the package clear about the toy's age range?
6. Will the product teach? Does it help build self-esteem, values, understanding and cultural awareness? Does it offer practice in eye-hand coordination or small and large motor skills? Does the product help teach communication skills? Does it expand understanding of the environment, the community and the world? Does it provide practice in computer skills?
7. Does the price match the value received?
8. Will the product challenge or frustrate the child? Does the product offer an opportunity to think, learn something new, practice or try something beneficial? Or, will it be too difficult for the child to use?
9. Is this a product that the family can enjoy? Having fun together is an important play experience.
10. Will the product help to nurture childhood? Can the child use the product playing alone? Will it help the child gain skills independently?
11. Does the product help the child express emotions, experience care and concern for others or engage in positive social interaction? Is there any violence, sexism or negative aspect to the product?
12. Is the product fun? Will the child enjoy using the product? Will it make the child laugh? Relax? Feel good? Play is, after all, a time to have fun. Learning is a lot easier and more enduring if it's fun!