Toy libraries and the fundamental right to play

Play is integral to development, fostering cognitive, physical, social, and emotional growth in children and youth. It is not merely a pastime but a crucial component of a child’s growth and development. Through play, children cultivate essential skills that lay the foundation for their future success.

For example, building with blocks and construction toys enhances problem-solving, spatial awareness, and mathematical skills.

Cooperative games teach turn-taking, sharing, communication, and negotiation. Caring for dolls and plush toys nurtures empathy, nurturing abilities, and emotional expression. Competitive games provide experiences with winning and losing, building resilience and self-regulation of frustration and tolerance.

Moreover, play presents an invaluable opportunity for parents to actively connect with their children.

The right of a child to experience play is also affirmed in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Article 31 states that parties recognise the right of a child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child, and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts.

However, a 2020 study by Toys R Us Malaysia, which surveyed over 4,807 parents, suggested that playtime might not be receiving the attention it deserves from some Malaysian parents.

On average, only about a third (33.4 per cent) of parents reported spending one to four hours each week on unstructured playtime with their children. This means they are spending less than an hour a day!

The parents who reported playing with their children mentioned a lack of information as a key difficulty. Specifically, 36.4 per cent said they struggled to find age-appropriate toys and games that were both fun and educational.

With an abundance of information available on the internet, parents can understandably feel overwhelmed when trying to make the best choices for their children. As a solution, offering curated resources and guidance specifically designed to help parents identify age-appropriate toys and games can be immensely beneficial.

Toy libraries, in particular, serve as perfect resource centres for parents, providing access to a wide range of educational and fun toys and games. These libraries not only simplify the process of finding suitable play materials but also foster a community of shared learning and engagement.

Moreover, research suggests that children's play highlights the crucial roles played by parents and society in facilitating play-based learning. When parents are actively engaged with their community, they help create a supportive environment that significantly contributes to a child's development.

Community engagement allows parents to exchange ideas, gain insights from other parents, and access a broader range of resources, all of which enhance their ability to support their child's learning and development.

Involvement in community activities also exposes children to diverse social interactions, helping them develop important social skills and a sense of belonging. Parents who participate in community programmes, such as toy libraries, not only gain access to valuable resources but also set an example of active involvement and collaboration.

This active participation in a community fosters a supportive network that benefits both parents and children, promoting a holistic approach to child development.

In Malaysia, toy libraries are mainly coordinated by Toy Libraries Malaysia, a non-profit association established in 2017, and are being set up in low-cost flats, Orang Asli villages, and kindergartens in remote areas.

With over 20 of these libraries established in different parts of Malaysia today, they serve as essential meeting points to ensure that the fundamental right to play is upheld regardless of a family’s financial circumstances.

These inclusive spaces welcome children from diverse backgrounds, celebrating and promoting social interactions. By providing access to a wide range of toys and play materials, children can unlock their full potential and cultivate a love for learning and discovery.

By encouraging children and their families to borrow and return toys, these community spaces extend the lifespan of valuable toys and play materials. This helps reduce waste and prevents toys and play materials from ending up in landfills, thereby minimising environmental impact. Some toy libraries offer toy loan services, which foster a sense of responsibility and educate families on eco-friendly toy choices and responsible buying habits.

As children engage in shared play experiences, they learn valuable social skills and develop empathy, setting the stage for harmonious and inclusive communities.

Toy libraries serve as a beacon of hope, reminding us that the seeds of positive change can be nurtured through the simple act of play. By creating more sustainable cities and communities, toy libraries demonstrate the profound impact of play on both individual growth and environmental stewardship.

As Fred Rogers famously said, "Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of children."

This insightful observation highlights the importance of play in children's development and underscores the vital role that toy libraries play in fostering both educational and environmental benefits.

Ng Kim Chu is a lecturer at Taylor's College and brings over a decade of experience in early childhood education. Beyond her teaching role, she volunteers at the Selangor Community Library and Toy Hub Da Men, where she conducts engaging read-aloud sessions for children and parents alike.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.