I’m back! They say the hardest part of doing something is starting, but I am pretty darn proud of myself for continuing this blog!
We spent last week on vacation and get this…my kids barely took any toys, and I was so sad about it! So, moms of littles, don’t worry. The toy explosion won’t last forever. Enjoy the toys!!! I say that, but I also know that the toys need to have a home, or everyone will go crazy. So today we’re going to talk about some tips and tricks I use to tackle the toy mayhem.
I truly think my kids did better when everything wasn’t out all the time. They could find what they wanted to play with, and I wasn’t constantly tripping over their toys. At first, I tried the classic approach of just tossing everything into bins and baskets and hoping for the best. Spoiler alert: that didn’t work. Every time I opened a bin, it was like a surprise party of tangled action figures and rogue Barbie shoes.
So, what does work? Here are my top tips for tackling the towers of toys:
- The Rotation Revelation: Rotate toys like you’re the DJ of a kiddie disco. Store some away for a while, then swap them in like surprise guests at a party. It keeps things fresh and prevents toy fatigue (for both kids and parents).
- Label, Label, Label: Think of labeling as your playroom’s GPS. It guides kids (and let’s be honest, sometimes us too) to where things belong. No more hunting for that elusive missing puzzle piece or superhero cape!
- The Toy Tornado Tactic: Embrace the power of the toy tornado! Schedule “cleanup storms” when everyone races to tidy up before the timer runs out. It’s a fun way to turn chores into a game. Plus, you get bragging rights for having the fastest toy-tidying tornado in town!
- Declutter, De-stress: If your kids are anything like mine, they are hoarding experts and stash everything from ancient goldfish, dried-up Play-Doh, and broken bits of once-loved toys in those lovingly labeled bins. Make time every couple of months to sort through the clutter and keep the chaos in check.
So, fellow parents, if you’re knee-deep in toy chaos like I was, fear not! With a little creativity, some patience, and maybe a strong cup of coffee (or three), you too can conquer the playroom clutter. Let’s turn those toy battlegrounds into havens of order and peace, one Barbie shoe at a time.
Until next time, stay organized, stay sane, and may your floors forever be Lego-free (iykyk)! Cheers to playroom victories!
Yours in toy-wrangling triumph,
Heather