W2C-016 Roscommon Herald-4.txt
A Guide to Choosing Toys

Parents and relatives buying toys for Christmas have been asked to consider the "play value" of toys, as well as the safety factors when deciding on gifts. The appeal comes from the National Children's Resource Centre who have just launched, with Dunnes Stores, a free guide for parents and guardians on selecting toys for children and young people.

Entitled "A Guide To Choosing Toys", the booklet has been compiled to help parents and relatives make the right toy choices in order to encourage the development of children in their care.

"Children learn through play," says Angela Canavan from the National Children's Resource Centre. "Play helps children to acquire new skills and abilities, fosters creativity and enhances overall development. Toys play an integral part in this process, whether to develop independence, encourage sharing, stimulate intellectual development or fostering creativity."

The Guide includes basic criteria for selecting toys and includes suggestions for each stage of development, from a baby, up through pre-school years and up to teenagers.

The Dunnes Stores guide is available free of charge from the National Resource Centre (Tel: 01 - 4539699) and copies can be obtained by sending a stamped-addressed envelope (.30p) to the National Children's Resource Centre, Barnardo's, Christchurch Square, Dublin 8.
