A lot changed for children from the twentieth century onwards. It was the century in which child labor was restricted. It was also the century in which children’s education was regulated by law. The education of children became increasingly free over the course of the century. Children were allowed to think along, participate in discussions and participate in decision-making. And the range of toys became so large that choosing the right toys became a problem.
Thirties
Peace, cleanliness and regularity
In the 1930s, raising children was still all about peace, cleanliness and regularity. The child was given a certain degree of freedom. It was praised when it did something well. Punishment was allowed, but hitting was not allowed. Too much tightening was also not necessary. Parents had to set a good example.
Ten Commandments
The “Ten Commandments for Child Raising” from 1935 states: “Avoid all excess in child rearing; Neither too many caresses, nor too many expensive toys, nor too many sweets, and above all, too much indulgence will help make your child a decent, serious person. Kiss your children as little as possible, and preferably do not let others kiss them at all.”
Books
In the 1930s people were still critical of children reading books. It would just hinder normal school work. Moreover, people were afraid that the child would live too much in a fantasy world. Even after that, people kept reservations for a long time when it came to reading before going to sleep. It would not improve your night’s sleep.
Difference boys and girls
A clear distinction was made between the education of boys and girls. That had everything to do with the future. Boys later started earning a living. Girls became housewives and mothers. Many toys were typically for girls or boys.
Electrically powered toys
The wide range of electrically powered toys was new. There were also critical voices. It hindered the child’s own imagination, because he had to do less himself. And playing with electricity could be dangerous. An exception was made for the electric stove. That was seen as very educational.
Forties
Toys and age go together
Since the 1940s, a clear connection has been made between the age of a child and the most suitable toys for it. An infant should not need toys in the first few weeks. Only when it is about eight weeks old is that early enough. Something colorful, for example a ball, is fine. A child is satisfied with little. Too many toys at once is not good. A rattle is suitable for a child of about four months. When the little one turns a year old, blocks are ideal. Then a pull-along figure on wheels is a suitable gift. Sand, paper, clay and other materials for making something are a good incentive for toddlers. At the age of three or four, laying games, wooden beads and colored chalk are discussed. Puzzles, construction boxes, needlework and blowing bubbles are ideal for a five-year-old child.
Excess is harmful
The best toys for toddlers are also simple and offer room for their own imagination. Don’t have an excess of toys for them either, if necessary store the excess temporarily.
Task parents
Parents should intervene as little as possible in the game, because playing is learning. If a child wants to help parents, this should be encouraged. Making drawings and looking at or reading picture books is important. But choose the book carefully and read it more often. Teach the child a love of nature by walking. What the child loves he will not destroy.
Safety
Attention is already paid to safety. For an infant, toys should not be too small because of the risk of swallowing. It should not have any sharp edges, it should not transfer color and it should be easy to clean. Toys from sick children should not be in the hands of healthy children unless they have been disinfected.
The fifties
The three Rs, rest, cleanliness and regularity remain important. Parents provide guidance and set a good example.
Freer views in the sixties and seventies
Think along, discuss and decide
During the 1960s and 1970s, strict guidelines for education were relaxed. The emphasis will be on guidance. Children are allowed to think along, participate in discussions and participate in decision-making. The number of children per family is decreasing. This also makes a tightly regulated household less important. The difference in upbringing between boys and girls is fading. This also blurs the boundaries between boys’ toys and girls’ toys. The future role of girls is changing from devoted housewife and mother to someone who counts in the labor market.
Childcare
As more and more women enter the labor market, the demand for childcare is increasing. In addition to playgroups, there will also be nurseries where small children of working women are cared for. Opinions about third-party childcare have long remained divided.
Toys
The range of toys is growing, also for the little ones. Reading becomes a form of relaxation in addition to increasing general development. The arrival of television has a major impact on families. Fewer board games are played and the reading of books is also reduced.
From traditional toys to digital toys
The computer
In addition to the traditional toys such as puzzles, games, dolls with accessories, cuddly toys, building and construction materials and craft kits, there will be new toys. With the introduction of the computer, computer games came onto the market. Not much later, the first game consoles appeared, followed by mobile phones, iPods and iPads for young people. There is no minimum or maximum age for digital toys.
From realism to caricature
While toys originally looked mainly realistic, dolls can now also be caricatures of reality or characters from children’s films. Cuddly toys can be made-up figures in crazy colors. Vehicles or weapons are futuristic monstrosities or multifunctional robots. Everything is possible.
Merchandising
Children’s series or music groups have merchandising aimed at children. It stimulates the collecting craze in children.
Safety
There is a lot to be said about the supply of the toy market. One thing is beyond dispute. Nowadays toys must meet all kinds of safety requirements. And that is a positive achievement.