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Pediatricians say parents can skip the costly electronic games—simpler hands-on toys like blocks or puzzles that young children can enjoy with parents spark more imagination and creativity. A report published by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that heavy use of electronic media may interfere with children’s speech and language development, replace important playtime with parents, and lead to obesity.

Co-author of the report , developmental–behavioral pediatrician and associate professor in ����TV Langone’s Departments of and , tells AP News there’s a common misconception that “the toy that is best is the one that is the most expensive or is the most technologically sophisticated.” In fact, basic toys like balls, puzzles, coloring books, and card games that parents and children can play with together are preferable for healthy development, says Dr. Mendelsohn.

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