HOW TO BUY A WATCH FOR YOUR CHILDREN

How old were you when you started donning a timekeeping companion? Do you remember who gave it to you? What color was it? A kid’s first watch can be a pretty big deal, as it feels like a symbolic transition into adulthood – and a great way to show off time-telling skills.

Now it’s your turn to gift your favorite little ones their first watch. To gear up younger generations to value the versatility of wristwatches, you can share your appreciation for quality timepieces with your kids. Whether it’s your own children, younger siblings, nieces or nephews, here’s what to consider when buying kids watches.

Finding the right time

What’s the perfect age for a child’s first watch? It usually coincides with when they’re learning to read clocks and beginning to understand the concept of time. According to Scholastic, time begins to become less abstract around age 5, when kindergarten students begin to interact with calendars and clocks in the classroom. However, Parents Magazine pointed out that while they begin to grasp hours, minutes and seconds, kids often don’t master reading an analog clock until around 7 or 8. As such, any time after their fifth birthday is typically a good time to introduce them to their first timepiece, but there’s nothing wrong with getting them started even earlier.

Choosing between digital and analog

Much like the difference between automatic and manual cars, digital watches are inherently easier to read than analog clocks. However, that doesn’t dismiss the importance of traditional time-telling skills. Analog watches for kids are a great learning opportunity, helping them master basic mathematical concepts. As such, you may want to consider sticking with analog for their first watch, allowing them to master traditional time-telling before getting them a digital one.

Prioritizing kid-friendly features

While watches may make them feel like grown-ups, they still need a watch that’s tough enough to handle active lifestyles and curious minds. Number one on your list of kid-friendly features should be water-resistance. That way, washing hands, running in the sprinklers or spilling drinks won’t be cause for tears when their watch stops working. The best watches for kids also have adjustable watch straps, perfect for growing bodies. Washable strap materials, such as nylon, are even better for combating inevitable messes. Easy-to-read and light-up dials are also a welcome bonus as they support their increasing time-telling skills, while fun graphics and bright colors often capture the imaginations of little ones.