12.15.18
Toys, Toys and More Toys!
Parents of young children, doesn’t it feel like its “raining toys” during the holiday season?
The commercials on TV entice your children into wanting everything under the sun. Their list is often filled with endless possibilities of treasures that they would like for the holidays. At times, the thought of receiving all those gifts might be overwhelming! It was the same for me when my kids were young. Sometimes, there were too many gifts to open at one time. They simply got tired or just wanted to play with whatever new toy they opened in that moment.
Now, think about the toys and books that are already in the playroom, their bedroom or anyplace else that you have toys stored. You probably have plenty! They may have “grown out” of some of the developmental toys, some may be broken or some simply don’t hold their interest. In preparation for what they are receiving, now is the time to reduce what you have. Toss the toys that are broken and the games that are missing pieces. No sense in keeping them! Often when I’m working with a client, I notice that there are unopened toys (possibly a birthday gift or something from a past holiday) that your children have received but are not interested in. This is a perfect opportunity to donate the unopened toys to a local charity like Toys for Tots or something similar. And for the toys that your children aren’t interested in, consider donating them to a resale store so that someone else can enjoy them. Don’t hesitate to let your kids be part of this process. Share that they will bring joy to someone else over the holidays. You would be surprised at how willing they are to let something go when they are when they know they are passing it on to someone else to love. Not only that, but it teaches them generosity. There are several families in need that shop at the resale stores and find wonderful treasures that are loved thoroughly by their children. Keep in mind that child development experts agree that the best toys for kids are the simplest ones that inspire your children to be creative. Less is truly more! A study of toddlers discovered that when they had fewer toys in their environment, they played with each toy longer. What it comes down to is that if your child isn’t enjoying a toy they have, pass it on so that someone else can enjoy it.
I know you are all busy during this holiday season, but when you have 15 free minutes, give that toy area some attention and do you best to remove and dispose or donate what you can. Remember that if you don’t get to it before the holidays, you can certainly work on it in January as well. And, if the thought of tackling the toys is just too overwhelming, I’m right here, ready to help you organize and get your playroom in order! I know it can be a daunting task.
May you all enjoy this holiday season with the amazement and wonder that our children do!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to each of you!
Contact Julie for help with your organizing needs or to schedule a speaking engagement.