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| Fun percussion set from B. Toys |
I am contemplating an entire toy overhaul in this house over the next eight months or so (through L & D's third birthday). We still have a lot of toys they had as infants and some they acquired in their second year. I think it's time to downsize and prioritize.
Every time I consider or mention downsizing the toys, my mom and grandmother tell me I'm doing a bad thing. "The girls should have all the toys they can play with." Even though in the front of my mind I feel I'm doing a service to my sanity and their creativity, the little voice in the back has guilt and won't get rid of the toys. That is not to say that I haven't gotten rid of some toys, because I definitely have, but I think I can do a better job than before.
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| Little Tikes T-ball |
My new focus is to heighten creativity and pretend play while giving them things that will last for a few years. I've always tried to find toys that do this, but they have a lot of toys that are the equivalent of busy work for adults. I'm scoping out tons of musical instruments, art supplies and sports toys. I'm also starting to research bikes and trikes to get them mobile when we're out and about (as if they're not mobile enough). I've considered play kitchens and the like, but still can't decide if that kind of purchase is worth the money. I think letting them help me prepare meals would be more fun. There are, though, plenty of play kitchens at yard sales and on Craigslist for next to nothing.
For those with kids this age or older, what do you think? Is it time to give the baby toys the boot? Am I bad for wanting to downsize the toys (and, truly, the amount of time it takes to clean up said toys)? What do your kids enjoy the most?
