Workshop#14 Toys and Family Values - Page 3

[CatsCradle]

My DD is now five, but when she was two I asked her grandparents to get her an easel (the kind with chalkboard on one side and dry erase on the other and a contraption for hanging rolls of paper).  It was the single best thing they could have ever gotten.  That kid has used it so much.  It stands right in our living room (we live in an apartment) and she'll spend hours sitting there doodling, painting, etc.). 

The second best thing (and this qualifies as furniture rather than toy) was a small table and chairs.  She has used that for four years now, every day, for tea parties, drawing, playdoh, etc.  (I also asked her grandparents to purchase that, as they insisted that they don't have any ideas for toys or what she needs, which is fine with me).

Other hits are her puppets, a hair styling head, legos and tinkertoys. 

[lollie2357]

I finally asked my family to cut back on the quantity this year.  I explained my reasons (wanting to emphasize family and appreciating what we have instead of the cheap thrill of getting more).  They seemed to really understand and I'm hopeful Christmas will be better this year.  Still my kids have way too much junk toys.  This year on St. Nicholas Day (Dec. 6) we're going to gather up toys we don't use and give them away.  We're already talking about it with my oldest, and she seems pretty into it.  I think that will both emphasize giving instead of getting, and clear out space before we get more stuff.  I'm also really pushing consumable gifts for my kids this year.

[wannabamommy]

I love your idea of giving rather than getting. I have been trying to do the same thing with my two steo children, but it hasn't been easy. How did you get them to "get into it"? Their grandparents (on dads side) just give them anything & everything they ask for, but it seems to be becoming a problem. If I tell them they cant have someting (whether its now or later) they have flat out replied" fine, I'll just ask my grandma & she'll get it for me"...and they do, and they get. I cant seem to get it through to the grandparent what this is teaching them...what to do, what to do? Any suggestions? Thanks, wannabamommy 

[nstewart]

I am very interested in this workshop! 

I have just recently learned about Waldorf education and have requested Simplicity Parenting from my local library (haven't been able to read it yet).

I really want to consider the "simple" approach with DS and with my family in general.  I was not raised this way but since having DS I've found myself drawn to more natural living generally and to a gentle, hands-on approach as a parent.  I feel a little bit unsure (and lost) as to how to get started and could use some guidance (not only in the toy department, but in general).  If anyone has any resources they would like to suggest, it would be helpful!

[zepp]

I am loving this discussion, as I'm trying to find simpler toys for my kids and want to bring them back to basics.  I'm tired of all the loud, flashy toys and want to buy USA made.  They have birthdays in Nov. and the holidays in December, so I'd love to find ideas.