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The type of toys children play with can have a profound effect on their success in adult life, according to an academic report. Dr Jacqueline Harding, a child behavioural expert, said repetitive childhood play can provide a long-lasting memory imprint and have the potential to subconsciously steer their career path. And they can help develop and deepen problem-solving abilities and improve imagination and creativity. Dr Harding explained how joy in early life from playing with toys can become a strong driver in later life decisions. It follows research of 1,000 parents of 0-7 year olds, which found 75 per cent buy toys they hope will contribute towards their child’s future success. More than half (51 per cent) deem their child’s playthings very important to develop their critical skills, crucial for everyday life. The study was commissioned by Mattel, creators of Thomas & Friends, which has released a white paper from King’s College London revealing the social and cognitive benefits of train play for children. Dr Jacqueline Harding said: “Favourite toys tend to be played with almost every day and it is this repetitive act that can leave an imprint on the young developing brain. “So, it almost goes without saying that the playthings young children engage with on a regular basis can have a long-term effect and may even subconsciously steer them in a particular career direction. “Of course, this is hard to prove beyond doubt as there are so many other factors involved - but taking toys seriously is a good idea as children spend so much time engaging with them, and choosing wisely according to their individual interests can pay real dividends.” The biggest benefit parents believe children get from toys when it comes to improving critical skills is the improvement in their fine motor skills (68 per cent). Almost as many (67 per cent) said it was how toys drive imagination and creativity, while 63 per cent think toys can help with problem-solving skills. While 86 per cent went as far as saying they think toys can have a large or moderate impact on improving a child’s chances of a successful career, in the future. But when it comes to actually choosing toys for their children, the top priority is that it they are age-appropriate (59 per cent). Others want to ensure the toy is safe (55 per cent) or more than its perceived educational value (47 per cent). It also emerged 58 per cent have particular brands or toy lines they turn specifically for their developmental value. But 21 per cent fear their little ones don’t play with educational toys as much as they’d like, according to the OnePoll.com data. Dr Harding added: “One astounding insight is that at two years of age children engage in the same level of mental work as adults whilst engaged in imaginative play. “It is well established that imaginary play and creative pursuits offer up a wealth of surprising benefits that have exciting biological and neurological benefits for children and adults. “During childhood, the brain is known to be particularly absorbent – this is known as ‘neuroplasticity’. “In other words, it is easier to learn aspects of life – so not only does play yield a significant benefit during childhood itself but also in later adult life.” It comes after a separate white paper by Dr Salim Hashmi, a researcher from King’s College, reviewed more than 1,600 scientific research papers to explore the advantages of playing with toy trains. One of the primary benefits Dr Hashmi identified was children who play with toy trains can develop better thinking and social skills, allowing them to learn and practice collaboration, cooperation, and social understanding while interacting with others. His study also highlighted how playing with toy trains allows children to develop and refine essential thinking skills, contributing to their problem-solving abilities. Talking about his research for Thomas & Friends, Dr Hashmi said: “Constructing tracks, arranging train cars, envisioning scenarios, and enacting them during train play can stimulate cognitive development and enhance critical thinking, spatial analysis, and decision-making skills. “Collaborative play with toy trains could help encourage teamwork, negotiation, and collaboration, as children share resources, ideas, and play together. “Additionally, playing with toy trains provides children with opportunities to develop and practice problem-solving abilities. “Overall, train play, is an excellent way for children to develop key skills.” Top tips on choosing a toy for your child: 1. Take time to watch your child playing and try to get ‘into their thinking’ – what appears to light up their brain? 2. Guide children towards toys and play experiences that meet the need for them at their stage of development. 3. Be aware of the types of play that can aid them in their future – toys that help them begin to connect with others (when they are developmentally ready and able to do so). 4. Play with your child in a way that does not take over but allows them agency - a little control. 5. At other times, sit back and allow your child space to think while they play - being mindful that in their brain so much is taking place. 6. Talk to your child in ways that they can understand about what they are doing while they play – just gentle questions not an inquisition. Children often wish to share with adults what they have achieved or what matters to them while they play. 7. Allow your child time to explain what they are doing. Younger children will perhaps just show you rather than talk about it while older children might wish to discuss how they solved a problem or found a solution while they played. 8. Help children begin to collaborate with others while they play. Sometimes this may just involve keeping a watchful eye and ensuring a fair distribution of resources, so conflicts are avoided. 9. Relish play and be respectful of the power it yields in terms of a child’s mental health and general wellbeing. 10. Guide children towards toys and play experiences that are inclusive and not gender specific. Read More Study finds free childcare reform has ‘little benefit’ to poorer families Couples delay getting married in order to buy new home Most children in kinship care living with at least one grandparent, figures show Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas reach agreement after child custody row Comedian Ashley Blaker on why he wants to ‘change the conversation’ around children with special needs Brian Austin Green gets candid about co-parenting with Megan Fox

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A bumper summer of female sporting events has inspired millions of women to get back into sports after years of fear and judgement. Encouraged by competitions such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Women’s Ashes and Wimbledon, 59 per cent of women have started training with an old sports team again. A poll of 2,000 females aged 18-65 found 46 per cent feel motivated to try sport after seeing the empowerment and determination showed by these professional female sporting stars. It also emerged 31 per cent of women over 45 played sports when they were younger but dropped out as a teenager, with being ‘too sweaty’ and not feeling ‘good enough’ to take part among the top reasons. But now, many are dusting off their boots, digging out their racquets and getting back to action. Sure UK, a supporter of women’s sports, commissioned the research after launching the Breaking Limits: Girls Can Football Series, which aims to provide funding and training to give young people access to sport coaches, communities and safe spaces. Former Lionesses goalkeeper Carly Telford, who is partnering on the campaign, said: “Too many women have missed out on years of enjoyment, fitness and socialising due to feeling unable to continue with team sports and it’s about time they feel inspired to get back into the sports they enjoy without fear. “There’s still a long way to go and so much more that we need to do to promote women’s sport in all corners of the world. “To normalise women succeeding on pitches, courts and fields should be everyone’s goal, and both consumers and organisations have roles to play to make this a reality.” The study found there is more to do though, with 77 per cent of women believing that society needs to promote female sporting role models. While 36 per cent worried about being treated differently to men if they were to participate in sports, leaving 64 per cent put off trying sports altogether as a result. But putting worries aside, the future of women in sport looks bright, with the most popular sports they’d like to be involved in named as football (37 per cent), netball (21 per cent) and athletics (15 per cent). A quarter voted netball as the most inclusive sport for women, followed by athletics (15 per cent), and football (15 per cent). And half believe women’s football will eventually be as popular as men’s football – if not more. For 74 per cent, playing as part of a team has worked wonders for their mental health, while 51 per cent said sports has had a positive influence on their life overall. As 46 per cent of those polled, via OnePoll, feel motivated to try a sport after seeing the empowerment and determination showed by the sporting stars. ‘Movement has the power to transform lives’ Alice Duffill, from Sure UK&I, said: “Movement has the power to transform lives. “Everyone should be able to experience all the incredible physical, mental and social benefits movement bring - whoever you are, however you move. “But in our increasingly unequal societies, social, economic, and physical barriers stand in the way. “Inspiring women and girls to play sport through promoting and raising awareness professional athletes who look like them is key in breaking down some of those barriers. “That’s why we’re committed to growing women’s sports as we know the importance of shining a light on professional women athletes to help inspire today’s and tomorrow’s girls”. Read More Study links ultra-processed food and drink to risk of depression in women Study finds women only give themselves 30 minutes of self-care a week Women respond to viral TikTok prompt asking about ‘female version’ of male Roman Empire obsession The cure for smelly garlic breath? Turns out, it’s simpler than you think Teenager’s death after drinking too much water was ‘preventable’ Could bats hold the secret to beating Covid and cancer?

George Russell cannot complain about Lewis Hamilton receiving preferential treatment due to his higher status at Mercedes, says ex-F1 driver Anthony Davidson. The Mercedes pair, who are coming to the end of their second season together, jostled for position on track at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. With Hamilton on fresher tyres, he made the move stick – but Russell was irritated that his request for his team-mate to give him DRS to help defend from Carlos Sainz fell on deaf ears. Hamilton, who has won six of his seven world titles at Mercedes, has been with the Silver Arrows since 2013 and Davidson insists it is no surprise that the 38-year-old still has a higher status in the garage than his compatriot Russell. “There’s definitely a hierarchy in that team,” Davidson told Sky Sports’ F1 Podcast. “And rightly so. Lewis has earned that status in that team as a seven-time world champion and George can’t argue against that. George is still the understudy and he’s doing a very good job on those occasions where he’s got the speed over Lewis to really take the fight to him. “But he’s doing it in such a ‘George Russell polite way’ which is quite humorous to watch because I know inside the car, he’ll be fuming and steaming. ‘And that’s why we see the near misses, the drivers coming almost to blows, almost to contact, but then he’s a good boy on the radio, he’s very British about it.” Russell beat Hamilton in the championship standings last year while also claiming Mercedes’ only victory in 2022, when he secured his first F1 win at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. However, Hamilton is 75 points clear of Russell this season with six races to go. “He [Russell] knows he’s got the speed, we all see it as well from the outside,” Davidson added. “Lewis is getting his elbows out when he needs to. I’m really intrigued by this battle and watching George develop as a driver and watching Lewis in his latter years in his career.” Mercedes are still searching for their first win in 2023; a goal they will continue to strive for at the next race in Qatar (6-8 October) where Max Verstappen can claim his third-straight drivers’ title. Read More Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit The rise of Oscar Piastri: A genuine rival for Lando Norris at last Lewis Hamilton frustrated by Mercedes strategy in Japanese Grand Prix Nyck de Vries makes racing return after F1 exit Aston Martin’s Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to test F1 car since 2018 Jessica Hawkins becomes first woman to drive F1 test in five years

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Nyck de Vries has announced his return to racing in Formula E with Mahindra Racing for the 2024 season. The Dutchman has not raced since being brutally dropped from his Formula 1 race seat at AlphaTauri in July following just 10 races, with Daniel Ricciardo replacing him. De Vries has since taken some time out from the racing spotlight but the 28-year-old – who was the Formula E champion with Mercedes-EQ in 2021 – has been announced as a Mahindra driver alongside Eduardo Mortara, describing his return to the all-electric racing series as like “coming home.” “It’s really exciting to be joining such a major automotive manufacturer as Mahindra, and to represent them in Formula E,” De Vries said. “I’m particularly excited about the future plans for the team. The basis is already strong, and the team has all the attributes to succeed. I believe going forwards we will be able to extract even more potential from the project and the organisation, so to be a part of that process was very appealing for me. “Coming back to Formula E will feel like coming home. I’ve been part of the Formula E family for three seasons, I know everybody very well. “I’m looking forward to being back in a familiar environment, and to be back somewhere where ultimately, I’ve always enjoyed my racing.” De Vries, who also won Formula 2 in 2019, landed a seat on the F1 grid in 2023 after his impressive debut last year at the Italian Grand Prix. He stood in for Alex Albon and finished ninth, securing two points for Williams, and was quickly snapped up by the Red Bull sister team to partner Yuki Tsunoda as a result. However, De Vries endured a tumultuous start to the 2023 campaign, failing to score any points and quickly placed under pressure by Red Bull chief Helmut Marko. Ricciardo, Red Bull’s third driver, then impressed in a tyre test at Silverstone and was announced as De Vries’ replacement at AlphaTauri following July’s British Grand Prix. De Vries has since been at Harvard University, studying negotiation and leadership, but has now confirmed he will be back in Formula E next year. The 2023-24 season gets underway on January 13 in Mexico. Read More AlphaTauri confirm driver pairing for 2024 F1 grid Lewis Hamilton reacts to Nyck de Vries axing: ‘That’s how Red Bull work’ Daniel Ricciardo is back - and this time he wants to go out on top

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This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for