Have you met a toddler who doesn’t like toy trains? It turns out that pushing those tiny vehicles around tracks and telling stories about where they’re going can help children practise a range of skills that are beneficial for their development and well-being, including creativity and imagination, language, communication, empathy and problem-solving. Dr.
Salim Hashmi, Lecturer in Education, BSc Psychology at King’s College London, says that playing with trains unlocks a universe of play possibilities for kids from all walks of life. It not only stimulates children’s imaginations, it starts to alter the way they think. Yes, you’ve read that right: trains can help positively change your child’s mind.Pretend play has loads of benefits for children of all ages but, according to Dr. Hashmi, research has found that trains activate a special kind of make-believe that’s universal and not limited to borders, languages or socio-demographic backgrounds. Both boys and girls in North America and across the globe all play with toy trains in a similar wa