Like the Three Wise Men, choose kids¨gifts wisely

Like the Three Wise Men, choose kids' gifts wisely
Friday, January 01, 2010By Clemente Ferrer Rosello
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Children in Spain, Mexico and elsewhere in the Hispanic world, are looking forward to the celebration of Epiphany on January 6 which commemorates the adoration of the Christ Child by the Three Magi from the East. Known in Spanish as the feast of the “Three Kings,” children receive presents facilitated by their parents. Just as in countries where it is on Christmas when Santa Claus delivers his sack of toys, it is the parents who must be especially solicitous of what gifts their children receive.

Many toys, for example, constitute a danger to health. Some lead to violence, and a dearth of imagination among children who become physically inactive and fidgety. Some toys and games feature so-called heroes or celebrities who inculcate unhealthy food habits, sexism, consumerism, and noxious lifestyles. All of this should be studies carefully when buying toys for children.

Parents should avoid toxic toys such as plastic products with small parts that may be broken off, ingested by children and lead to choking and asphyxia. Parents should purchase instead more intelligent toys that have been shown to advance intellectual development and thus be of great benefit to their children.

Before buying a toy or a game, parents should ask themselves: Is it safe? Does it help my child interact positively with other people? Does it promote harmony or violence? Does it expand or limit a child’s creativity? Does it expand the intellect?

Finally, in recent years and across the world there have proliferated a number of motorized small vehicles that are sold as though they are are toys. Manufactured mostly in China, they are dangerous and poorly made. While they are often labeled for children aged eight and above, they often prove to be killer toys. It is thus, thankfully, that many countries are moving to ban them.

Author and journalist Clemente Ferrer Rosello has led a distinguished career in Spain in the fields of publicity and press relations. He is currently President of the European Institute of Marketing, Communications, and Publicity. See ClementeFerrer.com