{"id":4521,"date":"2016-12-24T09:00:04","date_gmt":"2016-12-24T09:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/toritoth.com\/?p=4521"},"modified":"2016-12-24T09:00:04","modified_gmt":"2016-12-24T09:00:04","slug":"holiday-toy-clutter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toritoth.com\/new\/holiday-toy-clutter\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Avoid Toy Clutter"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once the wrapping paper has been ripped open, the box lids flung off and toys pried from that kid-proof packaging, the magical day we wait for all year is over, leaving our spaces piled high of new toys that need to be assigned a home in those overstuffed kid\u2019s rooms and closets.<\/span>
\n\"\"
\nBefore adding those shiny new toys into playtime rotation, schedule some time to take a toy inventory. Many times kids outgrow or get bored with toys, maybe even those popular toys they were dying for just last year.<\/span>
\nDon\u2019t let your kid\u2019s play area be overrun with toys, spill over into the main areas of the house and cause clutter chaos throughout your space. Try these five tips to get your home in order well after the decorations come down.<\/span><\/p>\n

Set Rules\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As the parent you\u2019re responsible to make the decisions about toy rules and limits. Use the holiday season to teach kids about sharing, giving, materialism and how to take care of their toys. What happens if they don\u2019t pick up the toys? When can they play with the toys? And how will items be stored and put away? It\u2019s up to the parent to have a plan in place and enforce the plan throughout the year to create positive habits a child can not only learn from, but helps assist in the toy management process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Child Involvement<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Be mindful of what your child plays with to help make editing decisions, but a parent should involve their kid in the process to determine what stays and what goes. This helps the child hone their choice-making skills. If the child has trouble letting go, have them stay focused on one toy at a time and give the child time to decide on their own the fate of the toy. Plan on storing your child\u2019s favorite toy as a keepsake once they\u2019ve outgrown it.<\/span>
\n

\"holiday

Photo by: tidymom.com<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

Sort It<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Create five piles to sort through the toys you have in your home. The piles include: keep, store, sell, donate and toss. Within the keep, store and donate piles use sub-categories to keep like items together so it\u2019s easier to manage.<\/span><\/p>\n