How colours influence emotions in children
Colours play an important role in the emotional development of children. They can evoke feelings, influence moods and even guide behaviour. But how exactly does this work? And how can parents and educators respond to this when choosing toys and designing a play area? In this blog we will delve into the psychological impact of colours and how they can influence children's emotions.
The psychology of colours
Colours evoke different emotions. This applies to adults, but certainly also to children. By using the right colours in toys, clothing and a child's environment, their state of mind can be positively influenced. Below is an overview of the most common colours and their effect on children:
Red - Energy and excitement
Red is a powerful colour that evokes energy and passion. For children, red can be stimulating, but can also cause unrest if too much of this colour is used. It is therefore ideal for toys that stimulate movement and activity, such as the Step2 Up & Down Roller Coaster Ride & Hide, which encourages children to play actively.
Blue – Calm and relaxation
Blue has a calming effect and can help reduce stress and anxiety. This makes it a good choice for cuddly toys, bedtime toys or a quiet play corner. For children who are easily overstimulated, blue can be a pleasant, relaxing colour.
Yellow – Joy and creativity
Yellow is the colour of the sun and represents happiness and optimism. Yellow toys often make children happy and it promotes creativity and a positive mindset. A good example is the Axi Dean digger, which encourages children to use their imagination in the sandpit.
Green – Balance and concentration
Groen is een natuurlijke kleur die balans en rust brengt. Het is ideaal voor speelgoed dat concentratie vereist, zoals puzzels of educatief speelgoed. Een speelruimte met groene accenten kan kinderen helpen zich beter te focussen en een ontspannen gevoel geven.
Oranje – Enthousiasme en sociale interactie
Orange combines the energy of red with the cheerfulness of yellow and stimulates social interaction. This makes it a perfect colour for board games and role-playing toys, because it motivates children to play together.
Purple – Imagination and luxury
Purple is often associated with creativity and mysticism. It can stimulate children's imagination and is therefore suitable for storybooks, magic toys and arts and crafts materials.
Pink – Comfort and gentleness
Pink evokes feelings of love and security. It can have a calming effect, especially on younger children. Pink toys, such as stuffed animals or soft blankets, offer comfort and a sense of security.
How parents can consciously use colours
Now that we know the influence colours have on emotions, parents and educators can make clever use of this:
- Choose toys based on mood: Does your child have trouble sleeping? Choose blue or green toys. Does your child need a boost? Choose red or yellow toys.
- Designing a play area: Use a combination of calming and stimulating colours to create a balanced environment.
- Clothing and accessories: Colours in clothing can influence a child's mood. For example, blue pyjamas can help them sleep better.
The influence of colours on emotions and behaviour is also supported by the colour theory of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. He demonstrated that colours have a direct psychological impact and can either enhance or calm emotions. This is often applied in practice in child psychology and interior design for children's rooms and play areas.
Colorful toys for children and their impact
Colours have an enormous impact on children's emotions and behaviour. By making conscious choices when choosing toys, furnishings and clothing, parents can positively influence their children's state of mind. Would you like to choose toys based on colour and emotional impact? Then take a look at our extensive collection and discover which toys are best for your child!
