December 15, 2025
As a child and adolescent psychologist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve found that one of the most underrated parts of my job is “toy shopping.” To help children grow, I need to know exactly what’s on the market and which toys actually help build the skills kids need today.
Welcome to a new series I’m calling “Tania’s Recommendations.” Today, I want to talk about a specific toy that is an absolute powerhouse for development, especially in the category of fine motor skills.
You might find it under names like “Topple” or “Frog Balance.” Regardless of the name, the concept is the same: you have a balancing structure where you must carefully place tiny pieces without making the whole thing fall over. While it looks like a simple game, it is actually teaching your child three critical life skills at once.
1. Fine Motor Precision Picking up those tiny pieces and placing them exactly where they need to go requires incredible finger-eye coordination. Strengthening these fine motor skills is essential for everything from better handwriting to daily tasks like buttoning a shirt.
2. Cultivating Patience In a world of instant gratification, this game is a lesson in slowing down. If a child hurries or gets frustrated and shoves a piece into place, the game ends. It forces them to be keen, observant, and calm—qualities that are vital for emotional regulation.
3. Strategic Planning This isn’t just a game of luck; it’s a game of strategy. A child has to think, “If I put a piece here now, where will I have to put the next one to keep it balanced?” This type of forward-thinking and planning is a fundamental building block for problem-solving.
A Quick Safety Note While this is a fantastic tool, my only warning is for parents of very young children. Because the pieces are quite small, they can be a choking hazard. Please ensure your children are old enough to play safely and won’t be tempted to put pieces in their mouths or noses.
I found my version at Mr. DIY, but there are many similar alternatives available online. If you are looking for a way to turn playtime into a skill-building session, this is a great place to start.
To book a consultation, contact options are available at https://www.psykapoor.com/contact/, or you can book via WhatsApp at +91 9958866865.