Do you feel like toys are taking over your house? If you find yourself overwhelmed by the number of toys in your home, there’s a good chance your kids aren’t reaping the benefit of all those toys either. We tend to think the more toys kids have, the more things there are for them to do and the more entertained they will be, but what amount of toys is enough? The answer may surprise you…

When children have too many toy options, it’s difficult for them to choose to focus their attention on just one thing. Many kids will rummage through the toys making a big mess but never actually play with any specific toy. They feel overwhelmed. This is why they whine, “I don’t know what to do,” while seemingly surrounded by things to do.

According to The Toy Association, the average child has about 100 toys.

Let’s not just pick on the kids... adults also struggle to make decisions when faced with too many options. Think about how difficult it is to choose an outfit in a cluttered closet or choose what show to watch across multiple streaming services.

So, we try our best to get the kids to play with what they have. We organize and reorganize trying to gain a sense of control over the clutter. We nag and yell for the discarded toys to be picked up. But, if we can’t seem to manage all the toys, it’s not surprising our kids can’t either.

In a study conducted by the University of Toledo, children were observed in two individual free-play sessions. First in a space with just four toys, then with sixteen. When given fewer options, children played longer with each toy and used each toy in a greater variety of ways.

So with fewer toy options your kids are not only engaged in play for a longer period of time, but they are also being more creative! I’m not saying you have to get rid of all but four toys but consider the benefits—for both yourself and your children—of owning less.

With Christmas quickly approaching, you’re likely starting to think about what to get the kids—and maybe you’re worried about where all the new gizmos and gadgets are going to go. Don’t wait until December 26th and then try to cram it all in the toy box. Take the time now to tackle the toy clutter.

Get your kids involved in the process of sorting through the old to make room for the new. (You may want to check out my Declutter Challenge for Kids.) Sell or donate the items that are no longer played with and throw out items that are broken and cannot be repaired. Be mindful of the things you choose to keep. Remember, children will be more apt to use their imagination when toys are kept simple. Think back to a time when your child played with the box a toy came in instead of the actual toy. Kids want to use their imaginations!

I know it’s tempting to purchase all the toys your kids put on their Christmas list but the newness will wear off fast and the clutter will stick around! Everyone wants their children to be happy, especially come Christmas morning, but it’s time to carefully consider if the toys are ultimately doing more harm than good.

By reducing your kids’ toy options you're not depriving them. Instead, you're giving them mental clarity, the ability to play more creatively, you’re teaching them to be mindful of their possessions, and rewarding them with a mom who nags a little less and has more time to play.

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Fewer Toys, Happier Families

According to The Toy Association, the average child has about 100 toys.

Let’s not just pick on the kids... adults also struggle to make decisions when faced with too many options. Think about how difficult it is to choose an outfit in a cluttered closet or choose what show to watch across multiple streaming services.

So, we try our best to get the kids to play with what they have. We organize and reorganize trying to gain a sense of control over the clutter. We nag and yell for the discarded toys to be picked up. But, if we can’t seem to manage all the toys, it’s not surprising our kids can’t either.

In a study conducted by the University of Toledo, children were observed in two individual free-play sessions. First in a space with just four toys, then with sixteen. When given fewer options, children played longer with each toy and used each toy in a greater variety of ways.

So with fewer toy options your kids are not only engaged in play for a longer period of time, but they are also being more creative! I’m not saying you have to get rid of all but four toys but consider the benefits—for both yourself and your children—of owning less.

By reducing your kids’ toy options you're not depriving them. Instead, you're giving them mental clarity, the ability to play more creatively, you’re teaching them to be mindful of their possessions, and rewarding them with a mom who nags a little less and has more time to play.

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Leave a comment below.

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According to The Toy Association, the average child has about 100 toys.

Let’s not just pick on the kids... adults also struggle to make decisions when faced with too many options. Think about how difficult it is to choose an outfit in a cluttered closet or choose what show to watch across multiple streaming services.

So, we try our best to get the kids to play with what they have. We organize and reorganize trying to gain a sense of control over the clutter. We nag and yell for the discarded toys to be picked up. But, if we can’t seem to manage all the toys, it’s not surprising our kids can’t either.

In a study conducted by the University of Toledo, children were observed in two individual free-play sessions. First in a space with just four toys, then with sixteen. When given fewer options, children played longer with each toy and used each toy in a greater variety of ways.

So with fewer toy options your kids are not only engaged in play for a longer period of time, but they are also being more creative! I’m not saying you have to get rid of all but four toys but consider the benefits—for both yourself and your children—of owning less.

By reducing your kids’ toy options you're not depriving them. Instead, you're giving them mental clarity, the ability to play more creatively, you’re teaching them to be mindful of their possessions, and rewarding them with a mom who nags a little less and has more time to play.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

Did you enjoy this blog post?I’d love to hear from you!Leave a comment below.

Did you enjoy this blog post?
I’d love to hear from you!
Leave a comment below.