Almost as soon as they begin to speak, children begin to ask for toys. Television is full of commercials for all kinds of toys, and the toys aisles in department stores boast colorful displays that turn children into ardent consumers right from the beginning. It can be difficult for a parent to determine which and how many toys they should buy for their child. When your son or daughter begs for a mini basketball hoop, for instance, how do you decide whether or not they should have it?

There are several questions a parent should ask him or herself when deciding whether or not to buy a particular toy for a child. In effect, you will be making a pros and cons list. Here are a few specific questions you can ask yourself.

Can we afford it?

There is nothing wrong with treating your children now and then and giving them some of the things they like. However, toys are not a necessity, and food, clothes and bills need to be your priorities. Therefore, before purchasing a toy, you need to consider the cost and hold it up against your current expenses. If buying the toy means sacrificing a necessary item, don't buy it.

Is there a safety risk?

Imagine your child and his or her friends playing with the toy. Think about all possible scenarios, and decide whether the toy has the potential to harm your child or their friends. Sometimes, this varies from child to child. What might be perfectly safe in the hands of one child might be risky in the hands of one is particularly impulsive.

Do we have room for the toy?

Many houses with children end up cluttered beyond reason by the time the child is three years old. Toys that are purchased in early childhood are quickly outgrown, and if they are not cycled out, they clutter the space. Even as the child gets older, toys are often quickly forgotten. When they want a new toy, have them first sort through their old toys and pick one or more that they no longer want. Have them either pass the unwanted toys along to a younger child or donate them somewhere. That way, you will reduce clutter and teach them about giving and reusing.

Will it be used?

Never give in the first time your child asks for a toy. You run the risk of spending money on the child's equivalent of an impulse purchase. They often want something for an hour and then forget about it. I have a technique that I use when I'm shopping for myself. With any purchases I am unsure of, I try to leave the store and wait at least a couple of hours. If the desire is still there after I've removed myself from the situation a bit, I allow myself to go back and make the purchase. You can use this technique with your children too, but draw it out a bit longer. When you daughter asks for the basketball hoop, tell her to think about it for awhile. If she never mentions it again, you know she didn't want it that badly. If she is still asking a week later, you know she really does want it.

Behavior is another important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to buy your child a toy. Toys should never be bought because your child threw a temper tantrum. If she is getting in trouble in school and failing her tests, no mini basketball hoop for her. But good behavior can be rewarded sometimes. Just make sure that you don't establish a precedent where a toy is expected for every instance of good behavior. They toys should be an occasional perk rather than an expected reward.