As a parent, I’ve found myself safeguarding a collection of 20 intricately designed toilet paper tubes, each lovingly decorated by my enthusiastic 5-year-old, Lucy. Every evening, we meticulously confirm the existence of each tube — yes, I mean actual counting. Who would have thought that parenthood would involve protecting these glittery treasures?
In addition to her beloved toilet paper tubes, Lucy has transformed our recycling bin into a treasure trove of creative projects, utilizing everything from cardboard boxes to old newspapers. Recently, she even crafted a butterfly from a broken wooden spoon and a deflated Whoopee cushion. Each creation holds a special place in her heart, except for that one milk jug filled with crayons that quickly became a bit too odorous.
With the holiday season approaching, our small home is brimming with new toys, clothes, and potential art supplies, necessitating a serious declutter. This means it’s time to part ways with toys and creations that no longer hold value for us.
This task isn’t always easy, especially for certain family members who seem to cling to every item as if it were a priceless heirloom. So, I resolved to involve the kids in the toy purge this year. I’m uncertain about the toys they hold dear, but perhaps this exercise will teach them something about sharing. Yes, I thought, I’d engage the kids and then share how wonderfully it all went.
Looking back, I wish I could give my past self a gentle nudge. Here’s how our Great Pre-Holiday Toy Declutter unfolded:
- Preparing the Kids: I gathered them and said, “Hey, we’re going to let go of some toys. Take a look around and think about what you no longer play with. Imagine how excited another child would be to receive that playhouse that you haven’t touched! Or that train set you’ve ignored for years?”
- Timing is Key: I chose a moment when they were well-fed and had rested properly. I had given them a heads up about the toy removal, allowing them some time to digest the reality of the situation.
- Starting the Process: We tackled their overflowing toy bin. I pulled items out one by one—broken yo-yos? Trash. Unused finger puppets? Donate. An endless supply of Happy Meal toys? Trash. Clothes that no longer fit, toddler puzzles, and plastic snakes that nobody cared about—out they went.
- Sudden Affection: At this point, they suddenly remembered their love for everything. Yes, even the squished-faced doll and that remote-control tarantula that had seen better days.
- Distraction Mode: They abandoned their task and began playing with the very toys we were meant to sort.
- Staying Firm: I had to adopt a no-nonsense approach. “These toys are unloved! Wouldn’t you want them to bring joy to someone else? We all remember what happened to that unloved baby in Toy Story!”
- Tears Ensued: Of course, the tears flowed, as the toys seemed sad to be leaving their owners. (Why did I have to reference Toy Story of all things?)
- Minimal Progress: They reluctantly agreed to part with a broken doll arm and a puzzle missing most of its pieces.
- Sneaky Cleanup: While they were at school, I quietly gathered the toys they hadn’t touched in over a year and packed them away for donation—just like I did every other year.
- Mission Accomplished: We successfully decluttered, and the kids remained blissfully unaware of what had been removed. I’m documenting this experience so I won’t forget next year.
Despite my efforts to involve my children in this process, I should have known how it would unfold. Learn from my journey. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to return to my collection of toilet paper tube art.
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Summary: The holiday season brings a need for decluttering in homes filled with toys and art projects. This article shares a humorous account of a parent’s attempt to involve their children in the toy purge, ultimately showcasing the challenges and emotional attachments that arise.