I'm about ready to give away ALL their toys! - Page 2

[IdentityCrisisMama]

We've always been big purgers. I like to thrift shop and we love hand-me-downs so we've got toys coming and going a lot around here. Frequently we gather up the toys that aren't being used and either store them if we have space or pass them on to another kid. That has kept things fresh and organized for my DC, who is now 11 and has been cleaning up after herself for years. Of course, it's also temperament and finding what works for us but if you haven't tried that, I suggest it. Oh, one other thing we do is I really discourage new "collections". DC has a few series type toys (Lego, Playmobile and etc.) and when she gets into a new thing, I really ask her to consider whether we're up for a whole new collection of stuff to sort and deal with. Good luck! 

[swd12422]

I like the idea of constant purging, but DS gets so attached to things, and sometimes it's a piece of paper. But you CAN'T get rid of it. He is just now learning about respect and how to take care of the things he wants to keep, but it's been a long road and he doesn't get the concept of "special" yet. EVERYTHING is special....
 

[The4OfUs]

Originally Posted by swd12422 

I like the idea of constant purging, but DS gets so attached to things, and sometimes it's a piece of paper. But you CAN'T get rid of it. He is just now learning about respect and how to take care of the things he wants to keep, but it's been a long road and he doesn't get the concept of "special" yet. EVERYTHING is special....
 

I helped that problem along with my son, gave him one bin that he could put absolutely anything he wanted to save in it - a thread collection, a bottle cap collection, random papers, etc.   But when the bin was full, he had to get rid of something before he could put anything else in.  It helped him start to think about what he really valued vs just the anxiety over letting things go and missed opportunities/potential.  We also take pictures of things that are fragile/difficult to save, like pictures, etc.  so we have them "forever", but they're not taking up space.  

I took a picture of both kids sitting next to a baby table/exploring box thing they both used as kids because they were both sad to see it go, but were very much over the age range for it.  They now enjoy looking at the picture of it.