One of the joys of childhood is collecting things. Maybe you remember having a collection or two when you were young. A rock collection may have started with one or two pretty pieces of stone, or a shell collection may have begun with the annual family trip to the beach. You may have liked dogs or cats and collected pictures and books.
As a parent, you may not understand why children collect the things they do, but one thing is certain: Children learn about the world around them through these collections. At first that shell or stone is just another pretty item, but from there, the child will want to know what that pink stone is, or what kind of animal lived in the tiny shell.
The urge to collect usually begins around age six or seven. While you might not understand the reasons why your child chooses to collect a particular item, the important thing is to let them do it. At this stage, your child hasn’t grasped the concept of a true collectable having greater value in the future.
How many times have you said to yourself “I wish I still had those model airplanes Mom threw out. They’d be worth a lot today”? Your child is going to want to play with his or her collection and won’t be interested in keeping items in pristine condition.
Many collectors have learned to buy two of each item, one for display or play and the other remaining in the original packaging for later. Of course, this can get expensive because you have no way of knowing if the object will increase in value later down the road or if your child will have a long-term interest in collecting it.
Whether your child collects rocks or Barbie dolls, collecting has some very important developmental bonuses. Call these the hidden value of collectibles:
Knowledge
The greatest benefit your child gets from collecting is knowledge of the world around them. One piece of knowledge leads to another, which in turn might lead to a life-long career. That seemingly insignificant stone or shell could provide the springboard for the next great archaeologist or marine biologist.
Social Skills
Socializing with other children may not come easy to some kids. Collections give your child a chance to connect with other children who have the same interests. It can serve as a way to open up venues of communication and help your child to form lasting friendships.
Family Bonding
Maybe you have one of your collections from your childhood you’ve been able to share with your child. When you pass these collections on to the next generation, you’re not just sharing an object, you’re sharing memories. You saved each piece in your collection for a reason. Often, the sentimental value far outweighs the monetary value of the object.
Expanding the Imagination
Your child will spend hours arranging his or her collection, but this is more than the simple act of organizing. To your child, this is playing. They might have a collection of Barbie dolls and while your little girl changes Barbie’s clothes and hair, she starts to learn about fashion or imagines herself doing all the things Barbie does.
For a child, collections aren’t meant to sit on the shelf gathering dust. Their collections are meant to be functional. After all, what good is a toy if you can’t play with it? There is nothing wrong with having a few items meant to sit on the shelf, but for the most part, let your child decide what they see as valuable and let them play. Who knows where it will lead?
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Byers choice doll collectibles
By: Frank | 16-09-2008
Looking for byers choice collectors information. Any clubs? sharing information.
Mary had a little lamb teapot by ungaro
By: AudreyLynne | 15-09-2008
Does anyone have any info an UNGARO antique teapot; made in England.....called MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB ?
Daniela Mazzolani
By: Connie | 12-09-2008
Does anybody have information on Daniela Mazzolani Le Marionette? I have aquired a numbered marionette and was curious of it's value.
Thanks!
How do I check certificate of authenticity is valid?
By: 21 Sundays | 11-09-2008
how can I confirm a certificate of authenticity for sports memorabilia?
National washboard co.
By: blondemielnik | 07-09-2008
i have recently found 2 washboards but dont know much about them. Can anyone tell me what they might be worth? one is #503 and says chicago, saginaw, memphis. the other is #824 and says memphis chicago, saginaw. im new at this . i was told once the #503 was worth about 65.00. any help would be appreciated.
Fossil Cosmonaut/1997? Its a watch... Grandma ...
By: Trish | 06-09-2008
Fossil Cosmonaut/1997? Its a watch... Grandma died and left it. Can't seem to set the time or open the back. is there any help out there?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Hobbies Articles
Celebrate Christmas in Lindon
By: Gary Mattoc | 04/10/2008
A quick overview of celebrating elebrating Christmas parties in London
How Hypnosis Can Enhance Sports Performance
By: Peter James Field | 03/10/2008
Sports hypnotherapy has a long and honourable history, with hypnosis for sports being used by many top rank athletes and teams. Here, a leading British hypnotherapist talks about the many advantages of sports hypnosis.
How to Master the Mental Game of Golf
By: John Lynch | 02/10/2008
The mental game of golf is rooted in concentration. Concentration is the root of golf mastery.
The Silliness of Major League Baseball's Stupidity With Payroll
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Richie Sexson of the woeful Seattle Mariners is simply the latest example of the silliness of Major League Baseball's love affair with high-priced superstars whose production is pathetic. Sexson's lousy 30 RBIs this season have cost the Mariners $290,226 for each and every paltry one. Learn how stupid this policy is.
Kathryn Martin Dominates on the Track at the 2008 Usatf National Masters Meet
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
The shining star in the prime running events at the 2008 USATF National Masters Meet in Spokane (WA) was Kathryn (Kathy) Martin, who won 5 national titles in the 800, 1500, 5000 and 10,000-meter races, and set an American record in the 2000-meter steeplechase. Get the full story.
Meet the Illinois Fighting Illini - the Most Overrated Team in the Ap's Top 25 Poll
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Coach Ron Zook's Illinois team took the Big Ten by storm last year, tying with Michigan for the runner-up spot at 6-2, and going 9-3 in the regular season. All of last year's fight and hype moved Illinois into this year's AP Top 25 Poll. Find out why Illinois should not be in the current AP Top 25 Poll.
Forbes Touts Alabama's Nick Saban as the Most Powerful Coach in Sports
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
So who is the most powerful coach in sports today? Nick Saban of Alabama according to Forbes magazine (9-1-08 issue). Forbes wastes no time in anoiting Saban as the best of the best and ahead of the rest when it comes to being the most powerful sports coach in our time. Find out why.
Phelps' 8 Gold Medals Could Net Him $100 Million in Future Income
By: Ed Bagley | 30/09/2008
Sports agents that should know decided some time ago that winning a gold medal in the Olympics could be worth $12 million in appearances and endorsements. Michael Phelps' 8 golds at $12 million apiece works out to $96 million in possible income. Phelps' agent, Peter Carlisle, agrees, but will Phelps be a success or a failure as a marketable personality for companies seeking his services?
More from Veronica Scott
Tips For Child Safety at Home
By: Veronica Scott | 30/09/2008 | Home and Family
Maintaining your home for child safety is a big task but is one that is essential. There are so many things that can cause harm to children. All it takes is one mishap or forgotten element. There are many things that can be done to promote safety in the home...
Pros and Cons of Home Schooling
By: Veronica Scott | 30/09/2008 | Education
Home schooling is a viable option now for both parents and kids. There are many varying opinions on this form of learning. Some feel that it is not a good choice while others are encouraging it. Whether or not home schooling is right for your children is up to you....
Tips For Keeping Your Cool
By: Veronica Scott | 25/09/2008 | Parenting
Taking care of children is a stressful job that never really ends. Parents learn very quickly in those first crucial years that it truly is the hardest job in the world. Nothing can ever compare to being a parent. Dealing with children can become problematic and stressful. Whether you have...
Tips For Healthy Play
By: Veronica Scott | 25/09/2008 | Parenting
Playtime is one of the most important things in a child's day. It helps them to do so many things including learn and develop through exercise. Kids need to have regular playtime in order to grow into fully functioning adults. Of course, as fun as it is to play and...
Playground Safety Tips
By: Veronica Scott | 17/09/2008 | Home and Family
A day out at the playground can be just the thing to get your kids active and enjoying some fresh air. It doesn't take much to please children. Give them a slide and a few swings and they will be happy for hours. But don't make the mistake overlooking potential...
Play Date Ideas
By: Veronica Scott | 17/09/2008 | Parenting
As any parent will know, kids need to spend quality time with other kids. It's a necessary part of growing and becoming a social being. Kids do get plenty of time with others at daycare or in school but during summer breaks or on weekends, they still need that interaction....
How to Use Time-Out Effectively With Children
By: Veronica Scott | 11/09/2008 | Parenting
When it comes to disciplining your child, many parents have no idea what to do. You might yell and threaten or take away a toy, and nothing seems to work. Being consistent with punishments for children is very important. When used consistently, time-outs for children can be a very effective...
How to Handle All of That Childhood Memorabilia
By: Veronica Scott | 11/09/2008 | Home and Family
Don't you just hate those moms that have all those neatly arranged scrapbooks, photo albums or memory boxes of all their child's milestones and activities? Whereas you might have a drawing stuffed in this drawer, a lock of hair shoved in that box, and pictures, well you have pictures just...
Hobbies 
