List of All Articles with Tag 'h'

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?

Ancient clay tablets unearthed from ancient ruins in Turkey by archaeologists have revealed a language lost to the passages of time. The new language was discovered in the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire at Hattusa (known as Boğazköy-Hattusha). The well-preserved tablets are among many incredible artworks found at the site - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the past four decades, researchers have dusted off nearly 30,000 unique tablets - with most written in Hittite. New research, however, shows that some of the tablet haul shows that they are written in a language previously unknown to modern man. Of course, the meaning and words of this language have not been deciphered, but it appears from early inspection to branch off from languages used within the Hittite Empire - and is being referred to as Kalašma. archaeologist Interestingly though, researchers from the Istanbul Department of the German Archaeological Institute have noted that the new language is found within a recitation in a 'cultic ritual text'. While that's usually the basis of a middling horror movie, we're certain that there's nothing to worry about - it stems from an ancient Hittite practice. Professor Daniel Schwemer explains that the discovery wasn't unexpected. "The Hittites were uniquely interested in recording rituals in foreign languages," he said. These ritual texts provide insight into little-known languages, and thanks to this discovery, one more has been added to the list. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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