Further to Anne Ferries' letter about a child being given a replica chainsaw (3 April), I feel that playgroup staff being 'horrified' at such toys is unnecessary and is likely to make an issue out of a situation which need not have arisen. This situation offers an excellent opportunity to teach children about the dangers associated with these tools and how they can only be used by trained, sensible adults wearing safety gear for particular jobs. That way children learn that real tools are not toys. While it is not ideal that parents buy their children such replica toys, many see nothing wrong with it and I feel it is our job as childcare experts to deal with this.
Further to Anne Ferries' letter about a child being given a replica chainsaw (3 April), I feel that playgroup staff being 'horrified' at such toys is unnecessary and is likely to make an issue out of a situation which need not have arisen.
This situation offers an excellent opportunity to teach children about the dangers associated with these tools and how they can only be used by trained, sensible adults wearing safety gear for particular jobs. That way children learn that real tools are not toys. While it is not ideal that parents buy their children such replica toys, many see nothing wrong with it and I feel it is our job as childcare experts to deal with this.
Children and parents should not be made to feel they have done something wrong simply because others see things differently. These situations must be handled sensitively.
Katie Walker Playdecks mobile play facility manager Southsea, Hampshire.
