The kids are bored; the house is a mess, and no one is happy. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Kids are easily overwhelmed with choice, and a child who is unsure of what to play with often ends up playing with nothing at all. But the problem is even more fundamental than that. Our culture’s obsession with flashy plastic junk has taught children to be passive participants in play. Instead of playing with their toys, they expect to be amused by their toys. And they are … for about five seconds. Then it’s back to the toy box, or more aptly, the floor. But there’s a better way. More and more families are taking a minimalist approach to toys, cutting back on the clutter and focusing on quality over quantity. Want to join their ranks? Take back your toy room with these six tips.
Toss Out Toys
If you’re going to take control of your toy situation, you’re going to have to get rid of some toys. Start by digging out and boxing up any toys that your kids have outgrown. If your child is already reading, pass those alphabet and phonics toys on to someone else. Still holding on to rattles and teethers, even though your youngest is in first grade? Time to let go. Multiples are another obvious offender. If you have three versions of Memory featuring three different characters, pick a favorite and move on. Finally, toss the junk. Broken toys, puzzles, and games with missing pieces, Happy Meal prizes, party favors—just trash them! Once you’ve pared your collection down to things your kids might play with, it’s time to think about what they actually like. Kids tend to play with the same toys regularly. Sure, they may pick up others in passing, but they always come back to their favorites. Ask yourself the hard questions: How many dolls do you really need? How many cars? Be ruthless. If it’s not one of your kiddo’s go-to toys, let it go.
Put Toys on Display
When kids can’t see their toys, they don’t play with them. Sick of your kids pulling out every last toy just to leave them lying all over the floor? Why not leave them out in the first place? Instead of stuffing toys into baskets and bins, try organizing your little one’s things into several themed play stations where toys remain largely on display. For instance, you might have a costume station with a hanging rack of dress-up clothes and a mirror, or a domestic play area with a toy kitchen and toy food. Set up a table with art supplies, a space for building toys, and a reading corner with a comfy chair and some books.
Start a Toy Rotation
Playing with the same toys over and over again can get tiring after a while. Wondering how to keep your kiddos engaged? Try mixing things up a little. A well-organized toy rotation helps to eliminate clutter, while allowing children to play with a wider selection of toys. Since the available toys change on a regular basis, there is always something new and exciting to play with. Worried your little one will miss their favorite things? There’s nothing wrong with leaving a few toys, like Legos or a much-loved stuffed animal or doll, out on a permanent basis. And if your kids are happy with the toys they currently have, it doesn’t hurt to alter your rotation schedule. As long as your child is happy and engaged, there’s no need to stress.
Make Books Accessible
What’s the point of having an extensive library of children’s books if your kids never read them? Bookshelves are often difficult for little ones to access on their own, and with so many books to choose from, it’s hard to know what to pick. If you want to encourage your kids to read, try trading traditional bookshelves for a few easy-to-access book rails. Book rails hold fewer books and display their covers better, making them more attractive to kids.
Buy Fewer Toys
The best way to keep toys under control is to not buy so many in the first place. Set up a strict “no-gift” policy for birthday parties, and try not to go overboard at the holidays. Need a simplified approach? Put a little old Victorian wisdom to work, and buy your little one “something they want; something they need; something to play with, and something to read.” Another way to head off unwanted junk is to make a gift list for your family. Holiday shopping can be a struggle, and many people appreciate having a few solid gift ideas for things they know you’ll love. Making a gift list also gives you the opportunity to offer creative alternatives. Have a local attraction you love or a favorite family ice cream parlor? Ask for gift certificates! Your relatives may enjoy the idea of funding a fun family outing, especially if you take the time to give them a call and let them know how much you loved it.
Choose Toys Carefully
Toys are meant to be tools, not entertainment centers. Look for toys that encourage creative thinking, teamwork, and imaginative play. Bricks, blocks and other building toys are excellent creative fodder for growing minds, and games are perfect for teaching children teamwork and good sportsmanship. Role-playing toys, such as costumes and dollhouses, fire up the imagination and help children strengthen social and emotional skills. If you have the space, consider investing in a couple of large toys that set the stage for pretend play. A simple teepee or toy kitchen with just a few accessories can provide hours of entertainment, transporting your little one to that development-rich land of make-believe on a daily basis.
