While opening presents, magic and glee unfold in children’s eyes, unfortunately however, many parents can’t help but feel overwhelmed. Distraught parents often wonder what to do with all of the toys, games, dress-up clothes and chaos taking over their homes. Here are some ideas to organize the new (and not so new) toys your child has received this holiday season!
- Sit down with your preschooler and have them go through all of their toys, see what they love the most, what they have outgrown or don’t care for any longer, and the toys that are not in the best of shape.
- Organize the toys that are most played with into containers or baskets that can be easily retrieved and played with. If you are still feeling that there is too much, pack some toys away in a storage bin and rotate out the toys every few weeks out of sight, out of mind. Every time you rotate out the toys, your child will feel as if they are getting a new toy!
- Toss the toys with missing pieces or are broken.
- Sort the toys that have been retired and clean them off well, make sure they have all their pieces and are in good, working condition. These toys can be donated to many charities, churches, homeless shelters and even the Salvation Army. When donating toys, inspect the toy and decide if it is safe and in good shape to even donate. If the toy requires batteries, it is especially kind to donate them as well.
- Children, like us, often have a hard time parting with some possessions. So make sure to involve your child in the process and explain how they can help another child by sharing their toys. There are many books at the library that help to reinforce and even set-up this lesson to your children. You can explain that it is necessary to create space in the closet as well as in their hearts in order to receive new gifts and one of the best ways to do this is by giving to others.
- Praise your child. Tell them how proud you are of their kindness and generosity. Perhaps your will find that your child inspires YOU to take a look in your own closet and heart this coming new year!
Happy New Year from your friends at Lightbridge Academy!
