If you’re a parent, you probably feel your kids have WAY TOO MANY toys. You’re not alone. Despite my best efforts, we have (in my opinion) too many toys in our house. My husband, however, disagrees. Since our boys were born, we have had an ongoing discussion about this.
Growing up, I had many siblings to play with. We had enough toys – with a few new ones each birthday and at Christmas. And we had a great guiding rule: “If a toy is advertised on TV, we can’t get it.” Much of our time was spent setting up elaborate imaginary games. Many kids play “house”, though when we were growing up we had so many kids, we played “town”. No kidding. We would spend an entire Saturday morning setting up the town, with each kid deciding what business they would run. We made pretend money and even sent mail to each other. Mostly we used scrap paper, cardboard boxes, and other found objects as props. Very fun and incredibly engaging.
These days, many kids get new toys all through the year. My sons have (thus far) only had birthday parties where the invitation stated “no presents, just your presence”. That has helped to a large degree. Somehow, however, the toys manage to find their way in. The funny thing is, my husband doesn’t always agree with me about this. He does not think the boys have too many toys, and has often reminded me that he (as a toy consumer) is showing a great deal of restraint. And the extra toys he does bring home – sometimes warning me first; sometimes not – are usually geared to engage and inspire our boys. (Lego sets and Hot Wheels vehicles tend to be the rule.) I appreciate his restraint when I talk to friends who are overwhelmed with their kids’ toys – basements, closets, playrooms, bedrooms and garages filled with toy clutter – and realize that for us, the problem could be much worse.
Having too many toys actually can make it hard for kids to play. They can be overwhelmed with choices and have a hard time organizing themselves, their ideas and their toys. Too many toys limits creativity, resourcefulness and imagination. They clutter the mind, the house and ultimately, the landfill. This is why I truly love the picture book Too Many Toys by David Shannon. Told and illustrated with his unique brand of humor, Shannon hits the issue square on the head. If you are struggling with this problem at your house, this is a great story for your family to read together. I won’t spoil the wonderful ending – but just know that it truly speaks to the heart of the matter. (And as always, this is an unpaid, endorsement!)
SO TRUE!! My husband and I were just discussing the toy situation today. My husband suggested we should have our family adopt the houseboat plan. Live like you are on a houseboat with limited space…for every new toy/item you purchase you would have to give away one item to make room for the new one. I thought that was a great way to explain the problem to our kids! I hope it works.
As the husband of record, I wish to add that I am in no way a paid spokesperson for the Lego or Hot Wheels corporations. I also add that the items purchased DO get used and re-used, many times over, in countless new ways (re: the guide and inspire principle)! And they clean up good, too…um, when we really HAVE to, I mean.
Can't wait to read the Shannon book! I was just discussing this with N's teacher. How do kids acquire toys? N seems to love to go to other people's houses to seek out what they have for toys. I don't think we have that many and sometimes wonder if we should have more. But mostly I think this not out of depravation, but rather that I don't want the kids to expect a toy every time we enter a store. Also I don't want to use toys as rewards either. I do think it may be necessary to find ways to encourage and support play with other objects… I love your story about growing up! So Roxaboxen!
We have way too many toys. I really should start giving some away. All the kids really like to play with is cardboard boxes, markers, and the bulletin board anyway
I LOVE this book. I have given it as a present to many a niece, nephew or friend! It really is so true too- large boxes are so much more fun when you inject your own imagination into them then when they are filled with toys…. Also, kids LOVE the illustrations. The book works for a wide range of ages because the illustrations are so detailed- the older boy I nannied for was always finding new things to laugh at while the younger one was engaged in the storyline! Great rec, Geralyn!