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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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Italian fashion designer Giuliano Calza has called on shoppers to boycott Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein or “accept mediocrity”. The co-founder of streetwear label GCDS, which stands for “God Can’t Destroy Streetwear”, posted a statement on Instagram accusing the retailer of “stealing” his shoe design. Shein, which is known for selling cheap clothes, has been embroiled in numerous copyright infringement lawsuits by designers and artists over the years. Calza said that the retailer’s actions were “hurtful and abusive” and accused it of “stealing ideas, stealing sweat, stealing love and [months] of dedication and stealing the energy of making [sic] new ideas come to life”. He wrote: “Imagine them coming into your house or your mind and making your things, your dreams… THEIRS.” The designer also addressed shoppers who may complain his garments and accessories are “too expensive” and therefore they shop on Shein. “Because I respect humans, I respect hard work and workers, I use ethical way of productions and materials [sic],” he said, after earlier accusing the retailer of “killing the planet with… dehumanising policies that make [these] prices possible”. He posted screenshots of a pair of silver wedge heels on Shein’s website, which have the same stylised heel as the Morso heels, available on the GCDS website for US$875. It is unclear how much Shein’s version of the shoes are, and they appear to have been removed from the site. The Independent has contacted Shein for comment. Calza continued in his post: “I try to stay human, I try to make my country a place where this industry can live for young people like me, but in this time maybe I’m wrong, maybe I am the fool.” The designer, whose brand has been worn by Beyonce, Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa, Pamela Anderson, and other celebrities, said that “what hurts the most is people tagging me [on these] shoes and expecting me to congratulate them or repost”. “It’s very sick. If you want creativity and young people to continue [surviving] and see them succeed, do not be a part of their game,” he added. In his caption, Calza wrote: “Boycott Shein or accept abusive behaviour, accept stealing and accept the planet where you live, to burn in shame and fear [sic]. “Accept mediocrity and be part of killing someone else’s dreams.” In 2021, Shein was accused of “deliberate and calculated” trademark infringement by a number of major and independent brands, including AirWair International, owner of Dr Martens. The complaint, filed in California, accused the retailer of having a “clear intent to sell counterfeits”. Shein denied the claims, and has denied other claims of alleged infringement. Read More A look inside the Malibu Barbie Cafes opening in New York City and Chicago Elle Fanning says her body ‘creepily shifts’ as she adjusts to wearing corsets Best jackets for spring and summer, from bombers to trench coats Elle Fanning says her body ‘creepily shifts’ as she adjusts to wearing corsets Fans defend Kyla Pratt for dressing casually to The Little Mermaid premiere 11 lightweight SPFs your skin will love

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Almost 300 babies are born in the UK with sickle cells every year, according to the Sickle Cell Society, and the effects of sickle cell disease are believed to impact thousands. Yet, many people may not even know what sickle cells are or what living with the condition means. What is sickle cell disease? In most people, red blood cells are disc shaped and move easily through the blood vessels. But if you have sickle cell disease, your red blood cells are shaped like a sickle (similar to a crescent moon). This stops them moving with ease through the body and blood flow becomes restricted. Sickle cell disease isn’t actually one specific disease – it refers to a group of conditions affecting people with sickle cells, which range in severity.The conditions are inherited and predominantly affect people from African and Caribbean family backgrounds. What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease? Symptoms begin early in childhood and can sometimes be debilitating. How each individual is affected may vary, but the main symptoms are anaemia, an increased risk of infections, and pain. This includes extremely painful episodes called ‘sickle cell crisis’, which happens when blood flow to certain parts of the body become blocked. According to the NHS, these episodes can last for days and require hospitalisation. Other issues are associated with the condition too, including problems with the lungs, delayed growth in childhood, higher risk of stroke, leg ulcers and sight/vision problems.How is it diagnosed? Sickle cell disease is usually picked up during pregnancy or shortly after birth, although a blood test can be given at any time to see if someone has the condition or carries sickle cell genes. In parts of the country, pregnant people will be offered a test to see what the chances are of their child having sickle cells. Infants can be checked for the cells through a heel prick test.How do you treat it? Treating sickle cell disease is usually a lifelong process to help people with pain and to stay as healthy as possible. Treatment takes place in specific sickle cell centres and those living with it are encouraged to take care of their health, no matter the severity of their symptoms. Managing pain is a huge part of treating sickle cell disease. Staying hydrated can be helpful, as well as avoiding sudden temperature changes, like getting into a cold shower or diving into water. According to the NHS, Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) may be recommended, which is taken as a pill once a day. This can lower the quantity of other blood cells and requires careful monitoring, however. Some people may also be able to have a medicine called crizanlizumab, either on its own or alongside hydroxycarbamide, usually injected into a vein every four weeks. To prevent infections, many people with sickle cell disease will take daily antibiotics. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live TikTok has gone wild for adult gymnastics – here’s what you should know Man explains why he swapped veganism for raw meat diet: ‘I feel great’ Rugby star Ugo Monye: Boarding school shaped my career and my personality

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