How to keep your kids toys from taking over

I have threatened throwing all of my kids’ toys away, threatened to donate them and threatened that Santa was not bringing any new toys. Toys have taken over my house and especially as having them home all day, it seems it is much worse.

If you are in this same boat, perhaps you will find these tips as useful as I have.

1. REDUCE THE CLUTTER

It doesn’t matter how organized you are — a surplus of toys will always ensure your house is a mess waiting to happen. Fortunately, getting kids on board with the idea of ditching their stuff is a lot easier than it sounds.

2. CHOOSE TOYS WISELY

Since you’ll probably be stuck with them for a while, it pays to be picky when it comes to buying toys. To make toys more meaningful to your child, only buy them for holidays, special occasions and rewards — don’t shy away from asking relatives to do the same.

3. LEAVE SOME TOYS OUT OF REACH

If you’re constantly finding play dough and puzzle pieces in the sofa cushions, it’s time to put them on the top shelf of the closet. Designating these messy toys as ”family toys” will give you more quality time with your child instead of scrubbing pen marks off the curtains.

4. SET BOUNDARIES

If toys are already sprawled out over every available surface of your house, don’t worry! You can quickly reclaim order in your household by setting a few ground rules, such as ”no toys in the kitchen” or setting limits on the number of toys allowed out overnight.

5. GIVE KIDS OWNERSHIP

Picking up toys doesn’t have to be boring. Babies, toddlers and big kids alike can have fun organizing and picking up, just as long as it’s not a negative experience. This means you should provide enough time for enjoyment without resorting to counting ”1, 2, 3” or shouting empty threats.

6. GIVE EVERY TOY A HOME

Without a simple organizational system, picking up can be a major headache. Don’t throw everything into one big toy box; there’s a better way.

7. HIT THE BOOKS

It’s not your imagination. That pile of storybooks by the couch really is getting taller, and if you wait much longer, it will likely turn into a giant heap.

Worse yet, your kid uses those books to stall and push back bedtime a little later with each passing night. That’s why it’s important to either keep the books in your child’s room, or keep a small selection of favorites in a basket for easy retrieval.

For more on these tips, and more, read here!