By Daryl Ashley
Confusion Solution
Children between the ages of 3 and 8 are in the highest range of children who play with toys. That means that for six years you can expect to have to find a place to put them all. We’re talking birthdays, holidays, and “just because” that will bring toys into your home to live. While we know that these events will bring joy and entertainment to our kids, it is a fact that every toy they receive will ultimately have a limited life span until the next new one comes along, making it nearly impossible to store all the new ones plus the ones they have lost interest in.
So, what do we do with all those toys? Here are some suggestions that may help you rethink how you will keep your kiddies happy while reducing the clutter.
- When a new toy enters your home, find one that hasn’t been used for a while and donate it. Most children pay more attention to the new ones and not the old and probably would not even be aware if one was replaced.
- Items like books, or toys that you know will be rediscovered – or any you aren’t sure about – should be kept on hand until age takes over or they become a childhood memory.
- Toy boxes are nice because they hold a lot, however, they do nothing for making toys easy to find. They usually end up lost in a vast blend of color without much definition. Shelves, on the other hand, are ideal for displaying what kids own and it makes it easier for you to determine how long something has been used.
- For those small pieces like army men, cars, and marbles; these are best put into small clear containers by their type. Easy storage and easy to put away.
- Rotating toys is another great way to keep things fresh, reducing the clutter and creating a new look for old toys. Store several toys in a container and put them away for a couple of months. Then exchange them for what is on display for a brand new look and a change in play opportunities.
Your kids deserve to have fun with their toys, but it’s easy to let the mass get out of control. Small changes can make a big difference and give new life to those gifts that will keep on coming.
It’s as simple as that!Send your questions and comments to me at info@confusionsolution.com
