I’m a psychologist – what your kids’ favourite toy reveals about them, from Barbies to Lego
WHETHER it was playing with Barbies, collecting Pokemon cards or racing Scalextric cars, everyone can remember a favourite toy they had as a kid.
And, while they were fun to play with, it turns out your choice of toys could have indicated a lot about your personality early on, too.
Psychologist Dr Ree Langham from Impulse Therapy says: “Toys are a great way to keep children occupied and happy, but they’re also a fantastic learning tool enabling all ages to explore, express and build those all-important skills.
“What’s more, the way in which a child uses a toy can reveal important glimpses into their personality, ability and preferences.
“It’s important to note however that toy preferences cannot predict a child’s future characteristics or capabilities but, from an early age, patterns do emerge.”
Here, Dr Langham and Psychology expert Bayu Prihandito, share what your kids’ favourite toys could say about them…
Lego & Duplo
Dr Langham says: “Those drawn to Lego or Duplo typically have a keen eye for problem-solving, building and spatial reasoning.
“It’s likely they enjoy structured activities, with a beginning and end, and a wrong and right way of doing things.
“A child who enjoys LEGO is likely to enjoy challenges, and they may also be detail-oriented and patient as they have the ability to follow instructions or even change their designs.
“It’s also a great way for children to develop their fine motor skills and putting together the blocks requires a lot of concentration, creativity and precision.
“Together, you can also build a world of stories and imagination as the structures can be used alongside narrative skills.
“In addition, these toys teach children the importance of perseverance as they build, dismantle and rebuild even better structures.”
Barbie & Dolls
Dr Langham says: “Those children who choose to play with Barbie typically have a knack for storytelling and role-playing as well as a fantastic imagination.
“More often than not, these children are observers and will watch family interactions before using their Barbie dolls to mimic these societal roles.
“They may even role play aspirational careers with the use of their dolls.
“Studies show that playing with Barbie dolls can actually improve social skills and emotional development.
“It’s also a great way for children to work through their own understanding of a situation.
“What’s more, by dressing the dolls and building their own conversations and stories in their head, children are building their fine motor skills and are able to explore identity and self-expression.”
Scalextric
Psychology expert Bayu says: “Those who are drawn to Scalextric typically show a mix of analytical thinking and a love for motion.
“Their ability to focus and find strategies is reflected in how they meticulously build the track and execute the races.
“These toys improve their hand-eye coordination and bring an understanding of the relation of cause and effect, physics, and basic mechanics.
“The competitive yet engaging nature of Scalextric racing also helps in developing their social skills and a balanced sense of competition and cooperation.”
Pokemon
Dr Langham says: “Often children who enjoy Pokemon are likely to enjoy collecting things as well as categorising items.
“There is a thrill associated with catching all of the Pokemon and strategy required behind the Pokemon battles so it indicates a child who enjoys critical thinking.
“Pokemon can actually teach children about risk assessment, strategic planning and even resource management as they are tasked with assessing types, strengths and weaknesses as well as logical thinking during each battle.
“Trading cards and discussing characters with their peers is also great for social skills and reading. Not to mention, remembering facts can boost memory and overall comprehension.”
Bayu says: “When a child loves playing Pokemon, it shows they have an adventurous and curious nature.
“These children are explorers at heart, with an interest in discovering, collecting, and categorising.”
Nerf
Bayu says: “Children who prefer Nerf are often energetic, competitive, and enjoy physical activities.
“Their love for action is indicative of strong motor skills and coordination.
“Nerf play encourages strategic thinking, as children learn to navigate, aim, and engage in playful fighting.
“It’s more than just a physical exercise; it’s also a mental one, where quick decision-making, teamwork, and strategy come into play.
“The social interaction involved in Nerf games helps in developing their communication skills and understanding the dynamics of cooperation and competition.”
Fancy Dress
Bayu says: “Kids who have a penchant for fancy dress are often expressive and imaginative.
“They enjoy exploring different identities, a sign of their creativity and adaptable personality.
“Each role-played improves their understanding of the world, social dynamics, and self-expression.
“It’s a fun creative outlet that supports their self-esteem, communication skills, and emotional intelligence.
“The complete freedom to explore and fully embody different characters helps in their cognitive development, offering children a diverse perspective.
“Which as they grow up, allows them to better empathise and adapt to different social contexts.”