The Toy Takeover: Managing Toys @ Christmastime

Does it feel like toys are starting to take over your house?

I remember when our living room looked like adults used it. These days it’s starting to look like a total toy takeover.  And Christmas is right around the corner, which means that there’s going to be a huge influx of toys.  There’s only one thing to do…

fight back!

Now, I agree that homes with young kids shouldn’t look like showcase houses.  There should be a few pencil marks on the walls, toys living in the bathtub, and a scattering of kids stuff in each room. But, when you hit a matchbox car in the hallway (that sends you skating and screaming) you know it’s time pare  down a bit.  Here are some easy steps to help you crack down on toys before more come home for Christmas.  And let you teach your kids the skill of letting go.

1. Start by asking your kids to be part of it. At this point I would not let them in on the secret that toys might be leaving!  Instead, have your kids  help sort and organize. Kids play with their toys more when they know what they have and where it is.

Cute bins help organize the chaos!

If you don’t have them already, there are a huge number of stack-able tubs, drawers, and bins ranging in size and color.  If you already have a system, step it up by adding picture labels for non-readers or let your child make labels for each bin.

2. Sort out all of the toys that are broken or missing pieces. Even if your child is extremely attached to their toys, they can usually see the logic in getting rid of what’s broken.  If their struggling to see the sense in it, help them make a list of toys that need to be replaced.  The act of making a list puts them back in control.  Later, you can decide when and if they will be replaced (wink, wink).

Even little kids can lend a hand!

3.  Have your kids pick a few toys to give away. Give your kids some more control in the process by letting them pick which toys will leave and who will receive them.  You might even want to let your kids wrap the toys up as gifts!  If your child is still kicking and screaming (figuratively, I hope!), try using  the phrase we use at our house, “We have to say goodbye to some old toys so that we can say hello to new ones.”

4.  Avoid threats. It’s easy to lose your temper and make Goodwill or Salvation Army come off as the bad guy…we’ve all been there.  Be careful not to threaten your kids with an involuntary donation of all of their toys.   Instead, focus on the joy of giving and making room for the new toys they will receive.

5.   Depending on your kid’s age and personality, decide if additional work should be done with or without the help of your kids. Kids do not need to be a part of the entire process.  Remember, the goal is to clean, organize, and teach your kids how to let go.   For example, after my kids have sorted out broken toys and have chosen a few to give away, Daddy takes them out to do something fun.  Then I use the time, to sort out a few more toys that are no longer age appropriate or toys that tend not to be played with.  My kids have yet to notice!

It’s a big job with huge rewards!  In the end, you’ll be left with organized toys that actually get played with and hopefully some room to store all of their new Christmas gifts.  And, while little hands may not make the load lighter… you’re teaching them a skill that will  last a lifetime!