Clutter confuses children, simplicity inspires them.

I spent a few hours delving into our toy chest this past weekend. It sat under the window in the lounge room* and was, more often than not, a dumping ground for toys that had no purpose or place. It was deep and cumbersome and together with the children, we confronted it – with vigour! I explained to them that we were going to sort out one basket of toys that would be suitable for baby; wooden blocks, wooden automobiles, musical instruments, train tracks and trains. The rest would be up for discussion – did we need it? Did we want it? Had we outgrown it?

As we sorted and cleared I had two garbage bags – one for the op-shop and one to revisit in a few weeks time, in case either of the kids ask for its contents (I doubt they will). Oh goodness, the stuff! A list for your enjoyment:

– dried up textas with no lids
– odd socks (8!)
– pegs
– a long lost battery charger
– birthday candles
– broken crayons
– puzzle pieces (pet hate)
– cookie cutters
– an apple core
– lego (about 20 little orange lights for lego vehicles, 6 wheels, at least 50 random pieces)
– 5 hair clips
– one toothbrush

Hilarious and slightly disgusting. Moving on…

As we cleaned the children began to play. And there were a few times where Daniel and I stood back and watched them; they were engrossed in coloured blocks and train tracks….the classic, ageless, timeless toys that I have always believed in. Somehow, said toys had been forgotten about over the past year – they’d been buried under a pile of miscellany (read: crap). And to be honest, the disorganisation had got to such a point that I was completely disinterested in dealing with it. Until spring, that is.

I will never use a toy chest again. Instead, I’ve got two small baskets in the lounge room and that. is. it. Over the past few days every single toy has been played with and there have been far less requests for computer time or play school. Less toys equals more play – happier play, too. It’s also inevitable that we need to reevaluate the gifts we give for birthdays and Christmas. Che’s birthday is at the end of September (he’ll be 7!) and for the first time in many years he won’t be getting lego – enough is enough.

Both kids still have some toys in their bedrooms (including board games, puzzles and soft toys) but when the time comes, the same technique will be applied.

A few readers have commented on yesterday’s post regarding over zealous grandparents who love to gift an abundance of plastic. Yes, it can be a touchy subject but I think it comes back to gratitude and communication. Daniel and I have always been open with our parents about the toys we want our children to own. Granted, we have become more lenient in past years but last week’s clear out only reinforces what we’ve always believed. When in doubt always express your thanks and then suggest that the grandparents keep the toys they gift at their house – if they don’t like that idea let go of your guilt and donate to those in need.

I also dealt with my “toy chest” this week, aka the pantry. I admit, in the past few months, thanks to my first trimester and a fierce loathing for cooking dinner, most of the food had been placed on any shelf that had visible space, hence all sense of order had been lost. Indeed, it was a big job but I got stuck in and it was done within a couple of hours. All out of date food was thrown away, glass canisters were refilled and every shelf was given a good scrub.

Satisfying to say the least.

*there was another reason for getting rid of the toy chest….I bought an armchair (my armchair) from Ikea and I’m waiting on a French linen chair cover to arrive. Then, that corner is all mine.