Recommended Toys for Violent and Aggressive Toddlers
Children of the same age can be very different from one another. Each child is unique: some are small and gentle, others are big and energetic, while some are active and mischievous. These differences come from a combination of genetics and the environment in which the child is raised. If your child tends to be strong and often gets angry, they need toys that help reduce aggression. Toys should be safe for both the child and those around them. Before presenting our recommended list of toys, it's important to understand their features.Characteristics of Toys for Violent and Aggressive Kids:
- Size. The toy should be small enough for your child to hold comfortably with one hand. If you want to buy a larger toy, remember that children can quickly become bored with big toys. Consider where you'll keep a huge stuffed animal if it takes up half the playroom. Be reasonable when choosing the size of the toy.
- Safety. Since children hold toys for long periods, the toys need to be made from safe, non-toxic materials. Soft toys should use quality, non-allergenic fabrics. Features like noses, tails, eyes, and ears must be securely attached so a strong toddler cannot easily tear them off. Plastic toys should be made from high-quality, safe plastic without harmful dyes, and all parts must be well attached.
- Color. Colors should be soft and warm to help soothe restless toddlers. Color can influence your child's psychological state. Avoid bright red, hot pink, and neon colors, which are often used by toy manufacturers because they attract attention but can negatively impact a child's mood. For aggressive toddlers, choose more natural colours like warm yellows, oranges, light blues, soft blues, and combinations of soft green and beige.
- Material. Pay special attention to the material. Strong toddlers can harm themselves or others, so choose soft toys over plastic ones. Avoid metal toys. Wooden toys can work but select them carefully.
- Shape. Toys should not have sharp edges that might injure your child, others, or pets. The best shapes are round or streamlined, like balls. If they are cubes or building blocks, their edges should be smooth and rounded.
- Sound. Musical toys for aggressive toddlers should not make loud or startling sounds. The melody should be soft and calming. Before buying a musical toy, ask the seller to play all the sounds to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises for you or your child at home.
- Purpose. Toys should not encourage aggression or violence. Avoid any toy weapons like guns, swords, sabres, and armor. For children under three, also avoid games with themes like war, pirates, or knights, as well as tanks and soldier toys. Instead, choose toys with themes like animals, farms, space, dolls, and toys for learning shapes and colors.
Advice:
Parents of aggressive and loud children face the challenge of reducing these behaviors. You can do this through games and toys. By encouraging imagination and play, you can help adjust traits you'd prefer to soften or strengthen. To better understand your child's personality, take our unique Parenting Mentor Test. The results will help you identify if your toddler is truly aggressive, making it easier to select the right toys for them.
We've clarified the distinct traits of toys for children aged one to three who are strong and assertive. Now, let's take a look at the types of toys that are best recommended for such toddlers.
Top 10 Recommended Toys for Strong and Aggressive Toddlers:
- Soft Animals. All children love soft toys—they are cute, comforting to hug, and safe to play with. The best options come in animal shapes with natural colors. You can create a zoo with an elephant, penguin, monkey, bear, and more. Build a farm theme with a cow, chicken, pig, etc. Or arrange an "ocean" collection with a dolphin, whale, and turtle.
- Rag Dolls. For girls, opt for rag dolls rather than plastic or rubber ones. Little girls love soft, funny rag dolls. Even if your lively child gets upset and throws her doll, she won't cause any harm.
- Quiet Books. These are increasingly popular because they are safe and engaging. There are many types: some are for reading, others have interactive parts to touch or move. Educational books may focus on colors, shapes, fruits, animals, birds, or sea creatures. Quiet books often have zippers, buttons, or laces for practice tying bows, and are available in stores or handmade.
- Small Rubber Balls and Balloons. Balls are perfect for outdoor play, but make sure they are lightweight to prevent injuries. Avoid heavy balls like soccer balls indoors as they might break things. Indoors, you can use balloons, which children love playing with.
- Soft Building Blocks. Made from EVA foam, these are lightweight but sturdy and come in various shapes and sizes. They encourage creativity and redirect aggressive energy into constructive play. Puzzle mat sets are also available that combine play and learning with colorful pieces.
- Pyramids. These logical toys help toddlers learn to match size, color, and shapes. Light plastic or wooden pyramids are best. Some varieties feature textured rings, which help develop a child's sense of touch.
- Cubes. Cubes can be made of various materials, but their edges should be rounded. Large plastic cubes can be used to build towers, while smaller wooden ones may have pictures or letters. Some sets form images like puzzles. Cubes help develop creativity and memory.
- Puzzles. Puzzles are very entertaining for kids. Choose large pieces (no more than 10) for children under three. There are wooden puzzles and puzzle books. Pictures should be big and clear; small pieces can be difficult and cause frustration.
- Cars. For boys, toy vehicles are essential. When buying a car, ensure the material is safe and sturdy, with well-attached wheels and minimal small parts. Choose cars slightly smaller than an adult's hand for ease of play, and avoid metal options.
- Musical Toys with Soothing Music. Wind-up toys with gentle melodies are ideal. Some are so soothing that children even fall asleep holding them. Look for toys that offer a calming sound experience.