Lose the Clutter
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I’ve never claimed to be an expert when it comes to parenting, but there is one piece of advice I can confidently pass along and know that it will help you in the long run when it comes to your children and your household: Don’t let the clutter of baby toys get out of control.
As the months roll by with your newborn you’ll notice that there are certain toys your baby grows out of. It might be a toy that your baby has always gravitated to before in the past, and sometimes that can make it harder for you to acknowledge that your baby has lost interest in the toy and has moved on to other things. If the toy has sentimental value to you then wrap it up and set it aside, but otherwise you should have a box or bin somewhere within your house which can hold the toys that you’ll get rid off. I like to take these toys to Goodwill, but some moms I know list things on eBay or have garage sales so they can make some money off the toys. Whatever your method, just be sure you don’t allow your home to start to mirror a toy store. If you don’t get practice about weeding out toys that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
I make it a practice to sift through all the toys whenever a birthday or major holiday rolls around because I know relatives are going to send a bunch of stuff to my kiddos. Now that my daughter is older I can include her in this practice, and she understands that the toys are going to other kids who don’t have as many things to play with. The benefit is two-fold: My house doesn’t get overrun by toys, and my daughter learns about giving to people less fortunate. That’s a win-win situation.
Stephanie LH Calahan says...
I could not agree more! My son, who is now 7, has benefited from this for years. When he was 2-years-old, we started involving him in our twice a year practice. We go through his toys, books, etc. and identify which ones should move on to a new home. It has had so many more benefits than I originally imagined. He has a very charitable heart and has even offered his things to kids in need without prompting.
Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes the de-cluttering process has been easier than others. When he was in Kindergarten we went into his play room and I picked up an Elmo toy. It was one of his first “buddies.” Here is how the conversation went
Me: What about Elmo? Should he go?
Son: NO! Not Elmo! He is my friend! I cannot live without him!!!
Me: But you don’t play with him anymore?
Son: I will! I’m sure I will!
Me: OK. Let’s look at it from his perspective. At one time, Elmo was upstairs in your room and slept with you every night with you hugging on him. Now, he is down here in the play room in the back of a cold closet in the dark. How do you think he feels?
Son: Wow mom. I never thought of that. He is probably really sad and lonely…
Me: I agree. You know, my hairstylist has a little boy that loves Elmo. Would you like to give him to {name}?
Son: He would love him? He would make Elmo happy again?
Me: I’m sure of it.
Son: Can we go now?
And so we did. We drove over to my salon and talked with my stylist. My son took his Elmo, gave him a hug and a kiss. Said he was sorry and that he hoped he would have more fun with {name.} Then he handed the Elmo to my stylist and said it was for {name} and that he hoped he liked him.
This had so much power on so many levels! So, if you have troubles with your kids letting stuff go, maybe you can try this technique.
Good luck!