Teaching families to evaluate age-appropriate toys

Nurses should stress to parents that they need not purchase the most frequently advertised or expensive toy to promote their child's growth and development skills. As parents develop an understanding of normal growth and development and how to evaluate and stimulate their child's development through the use of toys, they will be able to select and create appropriate toys that will not frustrate or overstimulate the child. This approach will enable all parents, regardless of income, education, and resourcefulness, to promote and stimulate their child's gross and fine motor skills, social development, and cognitive development through the use of toys.