TOYS, TOYS AND MORE TOYS!!

We were readily prepared for the homecoming of our first baby.  We made room for all the “stuff” we purchased or received for him, and set everything up the way it was supposed to be.  Man, it was A LOT of stuff, and we had lots of rearranging to do.  We were so excited, got rid of our things to make room for our little boy “stuff.”

As our baby grew, and welcomed his little brother and sister, we are now being swallowed up by the toys!  We rarely have a completely toy-free living room floor (even though our basement is a dedicated playroom).    

What blows my mind the most is that with all the toys we have; trucks, cars, electronic games, building blocks, play food, a kitchen, dolls, stuffed animals, some that make noise and some that move on their own, the items they played with the most the other day were a cardboard box and a small pack of dental floss.  Dental floss, you ask.  Yup, dental floss…my daughter held a pack of dental floss (that she was unable to open, of course) for about 4 hours straight the other day, loved the way it sounded when she shook it and screamed when I had to take it away so she could nap safely.

I tried an experiment after said day.  I cleared about 75% of the toys in their playroom and bedrooms to a place where they couldn’t see them.  I’m sure you can guess what happened…nothing!  My children have not missed one toy I have put out of sight, and continue to play with mundane household objects and using their imagination happily!  They seem to delight in showing off what scene they acted out, or what creation they had made with the couch cushions and pillows and seeing our excited, encouraging reaction.

This experiment was one of the most eye-opening for me.  Although I don’t believe I have spoiled my children with toys, they definitely had their fair share.  Children seem to care more about the environment around them and the love surrounding them, rather than a room full of toys, and that is something for which I can make plenty of room.

Sincerely, 

From the Stork's Nest ~

Rebecca