Toys are an essential part of a child’s life, as they help in their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. However, not all toys are created equal. Educational toys have a significant impact on a child’s development, providing them with a solid foundation for their future. These toys help children develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and social interaction. They also encourage children to explore their interests and develop a love for learning. In this article, we will discuss why educational toys are essential for children’s development and provide tips on choosing the right toys for your child.
The Importance of Play in Child Development
The Role of Play in Cognitive Development
Play is an essential aspect of a child’s life, and it plays a vital role in their cognitive development. Through play, children can explore their environment, learn new skills, and develop their creativity. Educational toys provide children with the opportunity to engage in meaningful play that supports their cognitive development.
One of the main benefits of educational toys is that they can help children develop their problem-solving skills. Toys that require children to use their imagination and creativity, such as building blocks or puzzles, help children learn how to think critically and solve problems. This type of play also helps children develop their spatial reasoning abilities, which are important for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.
Another benefit of educational toys is that they can help children develop their language skills. Toys that encourage children to talk, such as dolls or action figures, help children learn how to communicate effectively. Toys that require children to read or follow instructions, such as puzzles or board games, help children develop their reading and comprehension skills.
In addition to developing problem-solving and language skills, educational toys can also help children develop their memory and attention skills. Toys that require children to remember specific pieces or patterns, such as jigsaw puzzles or memory games, help children improve their memory. Toys that require children to focus on a specific task, such as building a structure with blocks, help children develop their attention skills.
Overall, educational toys provide children with the opportunity to engage in meaningful play that supports their cognitive development. By playing with toys that encourage problem-solving, language development, memory, and attention, children can develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.
The Role of Play in Emotional Development
Play is an essential component of a child’s development, as it allows them to explore their environment, develop new skills, and build social connections. In addition to these benefits, play also plays a crucial role in a child’s emotional development.
One of the key ways that play contributes to emotional development is by providing a safe space for children to express and manage their emotions. Through play, children can act out feelings that they may not be able to express in other ways, such as anger or frustration. This can help them to develop a better understanding of their own emotions and learn how to regulate their feelings in a healthy way.
In addition to providing a safe space for emotional expression, play also helps children to develop empathy and social skills. When children engage in pretend play, they often take on roles that require them to consider the feelings and perspectives of others. This can help them to develop a deeper understanding of the emotions and needs of those around them, and to learn how to interact with others in a more empathetic and compassionate way.
Finally, play can also help children to develop a sense of resilience and coping skills. When children face challenges or setbacks during play, they often use this as an opportunity to practice problem-solving and perseverance. This can help them to develop a sense of confidence and self-efficacy, and to learn how to bounce back from adversity in a healthy way.
Overall, the role of play in emotional development is an essential aspect of a child’s growth and development. By providing a safe space for emotional expression, fostering empathy and social skills, and helping children to develop resilience and coping skills, play can help children to thrive emotionally and build a strong foundation for future success.
Benefits of Educational Toys
Enhancing Cognitive Skills
Educational toys play a vital role in enhancing children’s cognitive skills. These toys are specifically designed to stimulate the mind and promote intellectual development. By engaging in play with these toys, children can improve their memory, concentration, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking skills.
One of the primary benefits of educational toys is that they encourage children to think creatively and imaginatively. They inspire children to use their imagination and come up with new ideas, which can lead to increased creativity and innovation.
Another advantage of educational toys is that they help children to develop their memory and concentration skills. Many educational toys require children to focus and pay attention for extended periods, which can help to improve their memory and concentration abilities.
In addition, educational toys can help children to develop their problem-solving skills. Many toys require children to use critical thinking and reasoning skills to figure out how to use them, which can help to improve their problem-solving abilities.
Finally, educational toys can also help children to develop their language and communication skills. Many toys are designed to encourage children to use language and communicate with others, which can help to improve their vocabulary, grammar, and social skills.
Overall, educational toys are essential for children’s development as they provide a fun and engaging way to enhance cognitive skills, promote creativity, and encourage intellectual growth.
Fostering Creativity and Imagination
Educational toys play a vital role in fostering creativity and imagination in children. Through interactive and engaging play, these toys encourage children to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and use their imagination to solve problems. Here are some ways in which educational toys can help stimulate creativity and imagination in children:
- Encouraging Open-Ended Play
Educational toys often encourage open-ended play, which means that children can use their imagination to create their own stories and scenarios. For example, a building block set can be used to create a wide range of structures, from a simple house to a complex castle, depending on the child’s imagination. This type of play encourages children to think creatively and use their imagination to bring their ideas to life. - Promoting Role-Playing and Dramatic Play
Many educational toys, such as dolls, action figures, and play food sets, are designed to promote role-playing and dramatic play. These types of activities allow children to step into different roles and explore different scenarios, which can help stimulate their imagination and creativity. For example, a child may use a doctor’s kit to pretend to be a doctor, which can help them develop an interest in science and medicine. - Inspiring Problem-Solving Skills
Educational toys can also inspire problem-solving skills in children. Many toys, such as puzzles and building sets, require children to use their imagination and creativity to figure out how to assemble or solve them. This type of play helps children develop critical thinking skills and encourages them to think creatively to find solutions to problems.
Overall, educational toys that foster creativity and imagination can have a significant impact on a child’s development. By encouraging open-ended play, promoting role-playing and dramatic play, and inspiring problem-solving skills, these toys can help children develop their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking abilities.
Encouraging Social Interaction
Educational toys play a vital role in fostering social interaction among children. Here are some reasons why:
Building Communication Skills
Educational toys help children develop communication skills by encouraging them to interact with others. Through play, children learn to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas, which helps them build confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, educational toys can help children develop listening skills, as they learn to pay attention to others and respond appropriately.
Enhancing Emotional Intelligence
Educational toys also help children develop emotional intelligence by teaching them how to recognize and manage their own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Through play, children learn to empathize with others, which helps them build strong relationships and friendships.
Promoting Collaboration
Educational toys promote collaboration by encouraging children to work together to achieve a common goal. This helps children learn to cooperate, share, and compromise, which are essential life skills. Through play, children also learn to respect others’ opinions and ideas, which helps them build a sense of community and belonging.
Encouraging Creativity
Finally, educational toys encourage creativity by providing children with the opportunity to explore new ideas and concepts. Through play, children learn to think outside the box, take risks, and experiment with new ways of doing things. This helps children develop their imagination and creativity, which are essential for success in today’s world.
Overall, educational toys are essential for children’s development because they encourage social interaction, which helps children build important life skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and creativity.
Types of Educational Toys
Building Toys
Building toys are a popular category of educational toys that encourage children to engage in imaginative play and develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and fine motor skills. These toys often involve assembling, stacking, or connecting components to create structures, vehicles, or other objects. Here are some examples of building toys and their benefits:
LEGO Bricks
LEGO bricks are perhaps the most well-known building toy and are widely recognized for their ability to foster creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills in children. The interconnecting plastic bricks allow children to build a vast array of structures, from simple houses to complex vehicles and even replicas of famous landmarks. LEGO bricks also offer the following benefits:
- Cognitive Development: LEGO bricks promote logical thinking, spatial awareness, and pattern recognition as children manipulate and connect the bricks to create different structures.
- Social Interaction: Playing with LEGO bricks encourages cooperation, communication, and collaboration, as children often work together to build more intricate structures or share their creations with others.
- Emotional Development: LEGO bricks provide an outlet for children to express their emotions and feelings through their creations, helping them to understand and process their emotions in a healthy way.
K’NEX
K’NEX is another popular building toy that uses interlocking plastic rods and parts to create a wide range of structures, from roller coasters to cars and even working machines. K’NEX offers several benefits for children’s development, including:
- Engineering Skills: K’NEX allows children to experiment with different designs and configurations, encouraging them to explore the principles of engineering and physics.
- Hand-Eye Coordination: The process of building with K’NEX requires children to use their hands to manipulate and connect the pieces, improving their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Scientific Exploration: K’NEX provides a platform for children to explore scientific concepts, such as motion, energy, and force, as they design and test their creations.
Magnetic Building Blocks
Magnetic building blocks are a versatile and easy-to-use building toy that uses magnets to connect and disconnect components. These blocks can be used to create a variety of structures and are particularly useful for young children who may have difficulty manipulating smaller pieces. Some benefits of magnetic building blocks include:
- Motor Skill Development: Magnetic building blocks help children develop their fine motor skills as they manipulate and connect the magnetic pieces.
- Problem-Solving Skills: As children experiment with different configurations and designs, they develop their problem-solving skills and learn to think creatively.
- Color Recognition: Many magnetic building blocks come in a variety of colors, making them an excellent tool for teaching children about colors and color recognition.
Overall, building toys such as LEGO bricks, K’NEX, and magnetic building blocks provide a wealth of benefits for children’s development, from improving cognitive and social skills to fostering creativity and scientific exploration.
Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Puzzles and brain teasers are educational toys that challenge children’s cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. These toys come in various forms, such as jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, Sudoku, and more.
Jigsaw puzzles are a classic example of puzzle toys that help children develop their cognitive skills. These puzzles consist of pieces that need to be put together to form a complete picture. Jigsaw puzzles help children improve their problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. They also teach children about shapes, colors, and patterns.
Brain teasers, on the other hand, are puzzles that require critical thinking and logical reasoning. These toys challenge children’s cognitive abilities and help them develop their analytical skills. Brain teasers come in various forms, such as riddles, logic puzzles, and mazes. They help children improve their problem-solving skills, memory, and concentration.
Overall, puzzles and brain teasers are essential educational toys that help children develop their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. They provide children with a fun and engaging way to learn and challenge their minds.
Language and Reading Toys
Educational toys that focus on language and reading are crucial for children’s development as they help to stimulate their linguistic abilities and enhance their reading skills. These toys are designed to encourage children to explore the world of language and literature, promoting a love of reading and a lifelong appreciation for the power of words.
Some examples of language and reading toys include:
- Storybooks: Storybooks are an excellent way to introduce children to the world of literature and help them develop their language skills. They encourage children to read and listen, fostering their imagination and creativity.
- Word puzzles: Word puzzles, such as crosswords and word searches, are great for improving vocabulary and spelling skills. They also help children to develop problem-solving abilities and hand-eye coordination.
- Talking toys: Talking toys, such as talking books and talking dolls, can help children to learn new words and improve their pronunciation. They also provide a fun and interactive way for children to practice their language skills.
- Role-playing toys: Role-playing toys, such as play kitchen sets and doctor kits, encourage children to use their imagination and practice their language skills in a fun and interactive way. They also help children to develop social skills and learn about different professions.
Overall, language and reading toys are essential for children‘s development as they provide a fun and interactive way for children to learn and practice their language skills. They help to stimulate their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking abilities, and provide a foundation for a lifelong love of reading and learning.
Choosing the Right Educational Toys for Your Child
Considering Your Child’s Interests and Abilities
When selecting educational toys for your child, it is important to consider their interests and abilities. By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that the toys you choose will be both engaging and beneficial for your child’s development.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Observe Your Child’s Play Style: Take note of the types of toys your child is drawn to and how they play with them. Do they prefer imaginative play or more hands-on activities? Are they interested in puzzles or building toys? Understanding your child’s play style can help you make informed decisions about the types of educational toys that will be most appealing to them.
- Consider Your Child’s Developmental Stage: Different toys are appropriate for different age ranges. For example, a toddler may enjoy simple puzzles or stacking toys, while an older child may be more interested in more complex building sets or problem-solving games. Be sure to select toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage.
- Look for Toys that Support Specific Skills: Some educational toys are designed to target specific skills or areas of development. For example, a toy that focuses on letter recognition or counting may be more beneficial for a child who is just starting to learn these concepts. Look for toys that align with your child’s current interests and areas of development.
- Encourage Creativity and Imagination: Toys that encourage creativity and imagination can be especially beneficial for children’s development. Consider toys that allow your child to create their own stories or worlds, such as dolls or building sets. These types of toys can help foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that the educational toys you choose for your child will be both engaging and beneficial for their development.
Age-Appropriate Toys
When it comes to selecting educational toys for your child, it is crucial to consider their age. Children have different developmental needs at different stages, and their toys should be chosen accordingly. To ensure that your child gets the most out of their educational toys, consider the following factors when selecting age-appropriate toys:
Developmental Stages
Children go through various developmental stages, and their toys should be chosen based on their current stage. For instance, infants and toddlers require toys that promote cognitive and motor skills development, while older children may need toys that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking. By choosing toys that align with your child’s developmental stage, you can support their growth and development.
Ability Levels
Children also have different ability levels, and educational toys should be chosen based on their individual abilities. Some children may require toys that are more challenging, while others may need simpler toys. By selecting toys that match your child’s ability level, you can ensure that they are engaged and motivated to learn.
Interests and Learning Styles
Every child has unique interests and learning styles, and educational toys should be chosen based on these factors. By selecting toys that align with your child’s interests and learning style, you can increase their engagement and motivation to learn. For example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs, you could choose a toy that teaches them about different dinosaur species and their habitats.
In conclusion, choosing age-appropriate educational toys is essential for supporting your child’s development. By considering your child’s developmental stage, ability level, interests, and learning style, you can select toys that will engage and motivate them to learn.
Quality and Durability
When it comes to choosing educational toys for your child, it is important to consider the quality and durability of the toys. Cheaply made toys may break easily, which can be frustrating for your child and may also pose a safety hazard. In addition, poorly made toys may not be as effective in promoting learning and development.
Here are some tips for choosing high-quality, durable educational toys for your child:
- Look for toys made from sturdy materials, such as wood or metal, that can withstand regular play.
- Choose toys that have a variety of parts or features, as this can help keep your child engaged and interested in the toy for a longer period of time.
- Consider toys that have been designed with specific learning goals in mind, such as counting, sorting, or building skills.
- Avoid toys with small parts that can be easily swallowed or aspirated, as these can pose a choking hazard.
- Check for safety recalls and reviews before purchasing any toy, as this can help you avoid buying toys that have been found to be unsafe.
By taking these factors into account, you can help ensure that your child has access to high-quality, durable educational toys that can support their learning and development.
Integrating Educational Toys into Playtime
Setting Goals and Objectives
When introducing educational toys into a child’s playtime, it is important to set clear goals and objectives. This ensures that the toys are used effectively to promote learning and development. The following are some key considerations when setting goals and objectives for educational toys:
- Age-appropriate: The goals and objectives should be age-appropriate and based on the child’s current developmental stage. For example, a toddler may benefit from simple shape-sorting toys, while a preschooler may enjoy more complex puzzles and building sets.
- Individual needs: The goals and objectives should also take into account the individual needs and interests of the child. For example, a child who is interested in animals may benefit from a toy that teaches about different species and their habitats.
- Long-term development: The goals and objectives should be aligned with the child’s long-term development and learning goals. For example, a toy that promotes language skills can help a child develop communication skills that will be useful throughout their life.
- Realistic expectations: It is important to set realistic expectations for the child’s development and progress. Children develop at different rates, and it is important to recognize and celebrate their individual achievements.
- Parental involvement: Parents should also be involved in setting goals and objectives for educational toys. They can provide guidance and support to help the child reach their goals, and they can also observe the child’s progress and adjust the goals as needed.
By setting clear goals and objectives for educational toys, parents can ensure that these toys are used effectively to promote learning and development.
Making Connections to Real-Life Situations
One of the primary benefits of incorporating educational toys into children’s playtime is that it allows them to make connections between the toys and real-life situations. This is essential for their development as it helps them understand the world around them and develop practical skills that they can apply in their daily lives.
When children play with educational toys, they are exposed to different concepts and ideas that are relevant to their environment. For example, a child playing with a toy kitchen can learn about cooking, food preparation, and table manners. Similarly, a child playing with a toy tool set can learn about construction, tools, and how to use them safely.
Making connections to real-life situations also helps children develop their problem-solving skills. By playing with educational toys that simulate real-life scenarios, children can practice making decisions, solving problems, and overcoming obstacles. This can help them become more confident and self-reliant as they learn to navigate the world around them.
In addition, educational toys can help children develop their creativity and imagination. When children are exposed to different toys and scenarios, they can use their imagination to create new stories and adventures. This can help them develop their creativity and learn to think outside the box.
Overall, incorporating educational toys into children’s playtime is essential for their development. It helps them make connections to real-life situations, develop practical skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. By providing children with a variety of educational toys, parents can help them explore the world around them and develop the skills they need to succeed in life.
Encouraging Independence and Autonomy
Educational toys play a vital role in promoting independence and autonomy in children. By providing children with age-appropriate toys that encourage exploration and learning, parents can help their children develop a sense of self-reliance and confidence. Here are some ways in which educational toys can foster independence and autonomy in children:
Promoting Problem-Solving Skills
Educational toys often require children to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems. For example, building blocks and puzzles require children to figure out how to assemble or disassemble them, while dolls and action figures encourage children to create stories and scenarios. By engaging in these activities, children learn to think critically and develop problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Encouraging Self-Initiation
Educational toys also encourage children to take the initiative in their play. When children are given the freedom to choose which toys they want to play with and how they want to play with them, they develop a sense of autonomy and control over their own learning. This can be especially important for children who may struggle with more structured learning environments, such as those with learning disabilities or attention difficulties.
Building Confidence and Self-Esteem
Finally, educational toys can help build children’s confidence and self-esteem by providing them with opportunities to explore and learn in a safe and supportive environment. When children are able to successfully complete a task or solve a problem, they feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. This can help boost their confidence and self-esteem, which can have a positive impact on their overall development.
In conclusion, incorporating educational toys into playtime is an essential part of promoting independence and autonomy in children. By providing children with age-appropriate toys that encourage exploration and learning, parents can help their children develop a sense of self-reliance, confidence, and problem-solving skills that will serve them well throughout their lives.
The Value of Investing in Educational Toys
While educational toys may seem like an unnecessary expense, the benefits they provide for children’s development make them a worthwhile investment. Here are some reasons why investing in educational toys is valuable:
- Promote Cognitive Development: Educational toys help stimulate children’s cognitive development by promoting problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creativity. They also encourage children to explore new ideas and concepts, leading to increased knowledge retention.
- Foster Emotional Growth: Playing with educational toys can help children develop emotional intelligence by promoting empathy, cooperation, and self-regulation. These skills are essential for children’s social and emotional well-being and can help them form healthy relationships with others.
- Support Physical Development: Educational toys that encourage physical activity, such as building sets or puzzles, can help children develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and gross motor skills. These skills are essential for children’s overall physical development and can lead to better performance in other areas, such as sports or music.
- Encourage Learning: Educational toys are designed to promote learning in specific subject areas, such as math, science, or language. By engaging with these toys, children can develop a love for learning and become more interested in exploring new topics and ideas.
- Provide Long-Term Benefits: Educational toys are not just for children, but for parents and caregivers as well. By investing in high-quality educational toys, parents can provide their children with long-term benefits, such as improved cognitive and emotional development, increased knowledge retention, and a love for learning.
Overall, investing in educational toys is a wise decision for parents and caregivers who want to provide their children with the best possible start in life. These toys offer a range of benefits that can help children develop in all areas, from cognitive and emotional growth to physical development and learning.
The Long-Term Benefits of Play
Play is an essential component of a child’s development, providing them with numerous benefits that extend far beyond their early years. The long-term benefits of play are significant and far-reaching, as it contributes to a child’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Physical Development
Play promotes physical development in children by encouraging them to engage in active and dynamic activities. This can include crawling, walking, running, climbing, and balancing, all of which help to develop their gross and fine motor skills. Through play, children also learn to navigate their environment, experiment with different movements, and build strength and endurance.
Cognitive Development
Play is also a crucial factor in a child’s cognitive development. Through play, children learn to think creatively, solve problems, and make connections between different concepts. They develop their ability to reason, hypothesize, and imagine, and learn to think abstractly and critically. In addition, play encourages children to ask questions, explore new ideas, and develop a curiosity about the world around them.
Social Development
Play is an essential social activity for children, as it provides opportunities for them to interact with others and develop their social skills. Through play, children learn to communicate, cooperate, share, and empathize with others. They develop their ability to understand different perspectives, negotiate conflicts, and form meaningful relationships with others.
Emotional Development
Finally, play is crucial for a child’s emotional development. Through play, children learn to express their emotions, develop their self-awareness, and build their self-esteem. They learn to cope with challenges, manage their feelings, and develop resilience in the face of adversity. Play also provides children with opportunities to explore different roles and identify with different characters, helping them to develop a sense of identity and self-awareness.
In conclusion, the long-term benefits of play are extensive and far-reaching, making it an essential component of a child’s development. By integrating educational toys into playtime, parents and caregivers can provide children with a wealth of opportunities to develop their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills, setting them on a path towards a bright and fulfilling future.
Encouraging a Lifetime Love of Learning
Educational toys play a vital role in shaping a child’s development and encouraging a lifetime love of learning. By incorporating these toys into playtime, parents can help their children build essential skills, enhance their creativity, and develop a strong foundation for future academic success. Here are some ways in which educational toys can encourage a lifetime love of learning:
- Fostering Curiosity and Creativity:
- Educational toys are designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children, which are essential for a lifelong love of learning. By engaging with these toys, children can explore new ideas, experiment with different concepts, and develop a natural curiosity about the world around them.
- Encouraging Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
- Many educational toys are designed to promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills in children. By playing with these toys, children can learn to think logically, analyze situations, and develop strategies for overcoming challenges. These skills are crucial for academic success and can help children approach problems with confidence and resilience throughout their lives.
- Developing Social and Emotional Skills:
- Educational toys can also help children develop important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and communication. By playing with others and interacting with these toys, children can learn to work together, express their feelings, and understand the perspectives of others. These skills are essential for building strong relationships and contributing to a healthy, inclusive community.
- Providing a Solid Foundation for Future Learning:
- Finally, incorporating educational toys into playtime can provide a solid foundation for future learning. By introducing children to new concepts, skills, and ideas through play, parents can help them develop a love of learning that will continue to grow and evolve throughout their lives. This love of learning can inspire children to pursue further education, explore new interests, and embrace lifelong learning as a natural part of their personal and professional development.
FAQs
1. Why should toys be educational?
Toys should be educational because they play a crucial role in a child’s development. Through play, children learn about the world around them, develop their cognitive and motor skills, and build their creativity and imagination. Educational toys provide a stimulating environment for children to explore and learn, helping them to achieve their full potential.
2. What are the benefits of educational toys?
The benefits of educational toys are numerous. They help children to develop important skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. They also help children to learn about different subjects, such as science, math, and language, in a fun and engaging way. In addition, educational toys can help children to develop social and emotional skills, such as cooperation and empathy, by encouraging them to play and interact with others.
3. How can I choose the right educational toys for my child?
Choosing the right educational toys for your child depends on their age, interests, and abilities. It’s important to consider factors such as the toy’s intended learning outcome, the child’s developmental stage, and the toy’s durability and safety features. You should also take into account your child’s interests and preferences when selecting educational toys, as this will help to keep them engaged and motivated.
4. How much time should my child spend playing with educational toys?
There is no set amount of time that children should spend playing with educational toys, as every child is different. However, it’s important to encourage your child to play with educational toys on a regular basis, as this will help to support their development and learning. You can incorporate educational toys into your child’s playtime routine, and also look for opportunities to play with them together, such as during family game nights.
5. Are educational toys expensive?
The cost of educational toys can vary depending on the type and quality of the toy. Some educational toys can be quite expensive, but they are often durable and long-lasting, providing value for money over time. There are also many affordable educational toys available that can provide just as much learning and developmental benefits as more expensive options. It’s important to consider the value of the toy in terms of the learning and developmental benefits it provides, rather than solely focusing on the cost.