I have 2 young children and too many toys! How much should I keep?
2006-08-15 06:34:34 · 22 answers · asked by Ivy 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Are they close in age? I generally cull out old toys as new toys come in... If she doesn't play with it much, and the age level recommendation of the toy is young enough that I wouldn't buy it for her now, out it goes.
Last Christmas we each (my then 4 yr old and I) picked out something of our own and sold it on eBay (she chose Bear from Bear In The Big Blue House)... we then took the money and bought a present for a child who's name was on the Christmas Tree at the local YM/YWCA as being in need of a gift. It's been 7 months and she still asks if I think "Zack" is enjoying his gifts... it's given her a better sense of compassion and giving.
2006-08-15 06:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by mama_bears_den 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why did you buy so much in the first place? Too many toys are overwhelming and the child doesn't play with any of it.
I would sort through things according to age. If they have outgrown it, get rid of it. Pay attention though that it is not a favorite. Then by how often the toy is used. Maybe you can take what they don't need and donate it to a daycare, or homeless family somewhere.
2006-08-18 16:22:39 · answer #2 · answered by mamajo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the children are out or asleep. Simply remove all the toys you do not see them play with everyday. Sometimes you can even get the children to pick some out to donate.
Ask them to donate some toys that they do not like to other kids. Then take them with you when you donate the toys.
OR ask them to separate some toys for a yard sale. Encourage them by telling them all the money from sales go to them. See how much they pick for sale.
Children need or play with few toys. I have 4 children, and not a lot of room for toys. Otherwise my house would be teeming with toys. On b-days, and holidays make a list of needs for your children, give these lists to family members. Say the children really need new shoes. Have family members pick out items from your list, that way, the children's toys don't stockpile again.
The only toys I save, are toys for baby, and toys for nostalgia.
Good Luck!
2006-08-15 13:54:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Kids will always want toys if you ask them there is no amount that is enough. But toy rotation is best, seperate them into a few boxes and with the exception of the true favorites exchange the toys for a different box either every two weeks or so that way they are always new to them.
2006-08-15 13:50:13 · answer #4 · answered by charmzz2 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they greedy? Want want want? Or are u just tired of tripping over toys? lol. If they want a lot then maybe this would be a good time to teach a lesson about those less fortunate. Suggest to the kids that they choose some toys to give to kids without toys, then donate them. That way they learn how blessed they are and you can stop tripping over toys. Everybody wins! :)
2006-08-15 13:43:00 · answer #5 · answered by KAYE 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wish I could help you with this but I'm in the exact same situation. You could try rotating toys. Divide them into boxes and switch boxes each week. I usually go through their playroom every couple of months and get rid of the crappy stuff like happy meal toys. No matter what, I think with 2 kids there will always be too many toys.
2006-08-15 13:40:14 · answer #6 · answered by Jen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YARDSALE!!!! Have your children go through their toys that they are "too big for" (wink) and then out of the toys that are left...have them pick out 5 a piece that they want to play with that week. Put the rest in storage bins and every week they get to pick 5 different toys. That way they start looking forward to that instead of whats new at the store.
Here's another tip>>>STOP BUYING TOYS!!! Reward them in other ways like spending time at the park or spraying them with a hose or something. Play with them. Good Luck!
2006-08-15 13:44:26 · answer #7 · answered by peacemaker 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HAHA....I have had this problem with my 6 year old daughter from birth.
I don't know how old your kids are, but this works with mine. When the toys start to stack up and she does not play with them, I take her in her room with a garbage bag or boxes and start getting rid of stuff. I ask her first, toy by toy, and she usually does really well, surprisingly. I bring all the unwanted toys to our local Goodwill store. She understands that less fortunate children will enjoy them more than she does.
If they are too young, or won't cooperate, go in and do it yourself. Get rid of stuff YOU know they don't play with.
As far as how many toys are enough, I think I answered this with my response, whatever they don't play with needs to go!
Good luck!
2006-08-15 13:43:11 · answer #8 · answered by brandiejs1979 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a friend who told her kids that any toy not put away at the end of each day was going in the trash. The kids didn't really even notice any missing toys. I think kids are generally happy playing with anything put in front of them, so if they have too many toys, they probably won't mind if you start paring down.
2006-08-15 13:41:25 · answer #9 · answered by Lisa 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no right answer to this. Toys come in and out of favour. A good trick is to only keep a small number of toys available at one time. Bring out the old ones every now and then and they will be treated with renewed vigour and interest.
2006-08-15 13:39:26 · answer #10 · answered by Cary Grant 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋