Children's Toys - 10 Questions to Ask Before the Holidays
I don’t mean to alarm you but the holidays are coming. And if you have children in your house, that likely means toys are coming. And if you have children older than 1 year old, you probably already have more toys in your house than they can even play with or enjoy.
Children's toys can multiply so quickly. Between birthdays, holidays, and the generosity of family and friends, a room in your home can go from a mild mannered play room to an all out toy store... just not as organized.
Below are 10 questions to ask to help you decide what toys to keep and what toys to box up or get out of the house altogether.
I've found that asking the same question in a different way can make all of the difference. Or the same basic question with many layers to help you answer the question. So if you need more than “what do you want to keep around your house?” or the flip-side of that question “what do I want to let go of?” here are some other ways to think about those questions.
Questions to help you think of what to keep out and around your home
1. What toys do your kids go to first thing? (a book, a doll, a toy car, etc.)
2. What do they spend extended amounts of time playing with? (manga-tiles, coloring, reading)
3. What would they cry real, lasting tears about losing? (a lovey vs. 1 of 30 matchbox cars)
4. What toys do you see as a grower of imagination and learning and growth as a functioning member of society? (legos, musical instruments, craft/science supplies)
5. What toys meet your family's mission statement? (if you don't have family mission statement, take some time to come up with one)
Questions to help you think of what to get out of your home (or box up for soonish or sentimental)
1. Are there duplicate toys that serve the same purpose? (I'm talking about 2 xylophones here, not 2 stuffed animals.)
2. What toys have the kids outgrown? (teething rings, bouncy seats)
3. What toys do they not play with? (they just aren't into horses)
4. What toys are too complicated for their age? (100 piece puzzle for a 3 year old)
5. What toys drive you crazy? (the singing remote, anyone?)
Remember, this is your house (that you share with your family) so think about what you want to keep up with and what your children enjoy and what serves the greater purpose of your family and growth of your children.