At what age do tell your kid it's time to get ride of their toys?

Question

He is 12 years old just starting 7th grade.

Answer 1

hell give them up when he's ready. Hes only 12 i would start getting worried in a yr or two for now just let him have his childhood :)

Answer 2

I can see from the answers here that most of us, answerers, think alike.

If there are toys he has no interest in, and if he tells you he doesn't expect to be playing with them ever again, then maybe put them in boxes and store them for a while in your basement or garage. Some time later let him decide if he wants to keep any for his children or sentimental reason or if he doesn't mind giving them away.

Many toys, though, are things he'll keep using (most likely). Someone mentioned L'egos. I know teenage boys who continued to use the more "sophisticated" L'egos sets right into their mid-teens. Basketballs, baseballs, footballs and equipment (if you consider those toys). Puzzles, crayons, art supplies, things like Rubik's Cubes, Eightballs, games, etc. are all things he may still use for a while longer.

For a boy that age, I'd think the only toys in question might be toy animals, super-hero or action-type toys, or things that go with them.

Twelve years old is still a pretty young kid. He may actually still want to play with some of the stuff you think he's too old for when nobody is around. Fourteen is more the age when they're really "officially" past childhood/adolescence. For two years they're young teens, and then at sixteen its truly a new phase. Please don't push him ahead too soon. That happens for too many kids these days.

Answer 3

There is no need to tell him to get rid of the toys. As a child matures they will lay down the toys and move on to new things. Twelve years old is still young. Don't worry about him. I bet in the next 2 or 3 years, you will see a big growth in your childs behaviors. But even at older ages, people still like to play with thier play stations and video games just like you seem to enjoy the computer.You are really worrying about something that is nothing to worry about. Relax and let your child be a child.

Answer 4

Well why are you taking his childhood away from him. They are his toys, it doesn't matter what age he is. the trouble with some parents is wanting their son to grow up to fast. He is a boy, he will grow out of his toys, what ever they are soon enough. Be glad he is still playing with toys.

Young boys his age will soon start to go thru a change in their bodies, mind and spirit. You don't need to do anything about his toys. He will move on to other toys when he wants to.

I remember when I was 12 years old and I still sang to baby stuff animals, and played with dolls with my girl neighbor friends next door. I am now an engineer traveling the world. My parents never took my toys away. So relax and let him be him.

What you can do is try to get him interested in outside activities but I think he will be just fine. Just support him when what ever he chooses. And never put him down for having imagination. You can really damage a child's esteem just because you think he is to old for a toy. Really, you are his parent, you need to help him and reassure him as he grows. Support him in his activities and guide him to new ones too.

Answer 5

I suggest that every year around his birthday and/or christmas/hannukah, he should go through his toys and decide which ones he no longer wants/uses. Then he can donate those toys to others in need. You can find a local charity that will take them. That way he isn't overwhelmed with toys and he's doing community service at the same time.

Answer 6

It depends on what type of toys they are. There are some guys that I know (i'm starting high school), that still play with legos and toy cars (not the romote control ones, matchbox cars). I think they tend to decide on their own, but there will never be no toys. They come with age limits.

Answer 7

You don't take away his toys no matter what age he is. I'm sure he's attached to some which he has fond memories of, such as him and dad playing cars or mom giving him a gift for x-mas. He'll know when he's ready to give up on toys and when to get rid of what toys he wants and doesn't.

Answer 8

Why should he have to get rid of his toys?! He can still get some use out of things like Legos (models and science projects!), and maybe sometimes he'd like to play. If he's got old things cluttering his room and the house up, you can help him organize them, maybe donate things to a homeless shelter or give them to a younger relative. But he's going to want to hold on to things for memories, and he's not too young to play. Let his attitude guide you.

Answer 9

Get rid of their toys? It depends on the toy. And it's always good to keep some around for nostalgia and future generations.

Answer 10

Give them an area appropriate to age...and tell them that it is 'their space'. If they are his/her toys, they ARE his/her toys. Let them decide when if ever to part with them. It happens that each of us are individuals with personal needs ... which includes fondness of objects which may not seem of value to anyone else. It is wrong to force them to part with an object if it provides a sense of security, a perceived value, or may just be kept due to not being aware that they have the 'permission' to throw it away. Children do not always realize that 'they can throw it away or donate it to charity'. If you say to him/her, "By the way, to enable me to clean our home more efficiently, I am giving you the ________________ to hold your personal belongings including toys...which you may decide to discard or give to charity...if they take up too much space." In other words, let it be their decision...at your prompting...NOT at your command. It can cause emotional damage and affect their trust or distrust of people in addition to being viewed as a betrayal of the fiduciary responsibility that you have for their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

See the site below...it is helpful for parents, as well as, teachers.