Many parents have come to the conclusion that toys are a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, babies and kids need to explore in order to develop their minds, their bodies, and their understanding of how the world works. To that end, toys can be the perfect way for little ones to safely explore and experiment.
On the other hand, whether your home is large or small, the sheer quantity of toys can quickly get out of hand. Babies and toddlers are especially adept at making a big mess, so an innocent-looking bin of Duplos can become a nightmare in short order.
If, as a parent, you are willing to step in and take charge of the toy situation in your home, you can do a lot for your own sanity, not to mention your children's appreciation for their belongings.
Your child does not need, and probably does not even enjoy, the avalanche of playthings that is found in practically every family's home. I am an advocate of discreet, judicious decluttering of your children's belongings. Your children – especially if they are preschool age or younger – are not necessarily equipped to make decisions about what items deserve a place in your home. They will think like adults when they become adults, to quote John Rosemond. So, be the adult and reclaim some sanity in your home.
Pare Down Duplicates
If a collection of ten Hot Wheels is good, are 20 Hot Wheels better? How about 30, 40, or 50 Hot Wheels (and other miscellaneous cars, trucks, and so on)? Unless your child has an interest in true collecting, consider whether you can pare down duplicate toys by getting rid of ones that are broken, annoying, or are not favorites.
How to accomplish this, you ask? In secret, with a black garbage bag (destined for your favorite charity). If your child later asks where a certain toy is (which may or may not happen), simply say that it went to a charity that helps kids who don't have many toys. You may get some frowns or tears, but chances are your child will appreciate and enjoy the remaining toys all the more. And you will have fewer items to gather up, put away, and store. Everyone wins!
When the Toy Does More, the Child Does Less
You know those toys that play a song or flash lights when a button is pressed? Some of them are baby toys, others are for older kids. Either way, there is a good chance your child doesn't play with these toys much. After all, how interesting is a toy that does essentially one thing, and one thing only?
If there are toys like this in your home that are not perennial favorites, let them go. In a few days or a few weeks, no one will remember them.
Examine Your Own Beliefs
Many parents have trouble letting go of their children's playthings because they are afraid their children will "miss out" if they don't own certain things. To get past this hang-up, think back to your own childhood and what your favorite toys were. A doll, a bike, a special truck? Maybe a toy that you saved your allowance for? Your best memories probably center around a few special playthings, and even more so, time spent with family and friends. Keeping this in mind makes it a bit easier to see that your child doesn't need 15 Barbies or all the latest video game gear.
Another helpful exercise is to make your own list of what you consider to be essential toys for your child's age and interests. A list for a six-year-old might include basic art supplies, a few balls, an ample supply of books, a doll, Legos, or other building toys.
Compare your list to what your child actually owns, then ask yourself what is being gained by having every storage space overflowing with toys of every kind. Also, remember that your child has access to a variety of playthings at school, daycare, church, and friends' houses. It is not necessarily up to you to own a world-class variety of toys.
Decluttering toys is an ongoing process that is never "done," but your whole family will be better off if your home has a calm, spacious environment in which to enjoy the playthings and other belongings that you truly value.
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