Benefits of Fewer Toys

The Benefits of Fewer Toys



“You are always teaching your kids, and sometimes you even use words.” -Rob Bell



As many of you know, I've a true believer in the benefits of fewer toys. Not only does this benefit the development of the child, but also the well-being of the parents. The above quote inspired our new series, “The 9 Things You are Teaching Your Kids Through Toy Moderation”. Because the way we buy for our children teaches them. 



We teach them through our actions even more than our words. 



WANT THE LIST OF THE 15 BEST SIMPLE TOYS?



You can also listen to this here:











Just Say No to Crap



When we tell our children “no” to new toys and we limit the number of trinkets that they acquire—we are not being mean. We are teaching. We are teaching our children that what comes into our house must eventually leave our house. And did you know that most plastic toys end up in the landfill for up to 500 years? That life-size plastic Sven Reindeer and Barbie Dream House [sorry Barbie, I’m going there...] are going to outlive your grandchildren’s great-great-great grandchildren.⁣⁣So let’s say no to plastic crap. Let’s say no to the stuff that’s going to lose their interest quickly. Let’s say no to the flashy stuff the marketers dump billions into selling to our kids. Because when we say no to junk, we are sending our kids a message. The way we buy MATTERS. We have a choice. We have an impact on the world that is greater than we know. ⁣⁣PS-if you already have the Sven and/or the Barbie Dream House, no shame. Just make sure it finds a good home after it leaves your house and starting today: Say no to crap. If you are a new believer in the benefits of fewer toys for kids, give yourself some grace.







Stand Up For What Matters



I know what you are thinking—“I don’t buy all these toys, it’s the GRANDPARENTS!” I hear this all.the.time. I get it. It’s super awkward to have the conversation with your family members about buying less for your kids. You don’t want to sound unappreciative and/or ungrateful. ⁣⁣Instead, maybe you just take the “Smile, say thank you, and donate later approach.” But to me, that never feels right either. There is guilt that sticks around. Who wants to live in fear of being “found out”?⁣⁣I’m here to say, we must be brave. We need to talk to our family members. We need to tell them that simplicity is a core family value that we are teaching our kids and we need their help. ⁣As parents, we have to stand up for the family values we are instilling in our children. Because one day…the time will come that our children are tested and need to stand up for the family values too. And it's our job to show them how to do it. ⁣



Try this:“Our kids love spending time with you and I have enjoyed seeing your relationship grow. But I worry that too many packages may distract them from appreciating all the wonderful gifts that you bring as a person. I want them to look forward to special time with you MORE than they do the gifts. How can we work together to keep them focused on the important stuff?”Simple Happy Parenting by Denaye Barahona Ph.D.



Then after you have this conversation, be patient. It’s not going to happen overnight. You’ll need to repeat some form of this talk on multiple occasions. It will take time, tact, and repetition. But it’s worth it. Your loved ones can learn the benefits of fewer toys for kids, too.







Innovation Over Regurgitation