Do you think this will produce responsibility??

[lovelee]

OK, I thought I'd swing this by you all and see if you think I'm totally nuts.

Last night DH and I packed up ALL of the kids (there are 2, they are 2 and 5) toys, dress up, stuffed animals, I mean EVERYTHING they own and packed it away into totes. They have thier clothes and thats it!!We are just getting so tired of doing ALL the picking up. Half of the time they get out their stuff they just like to dump it and move on for fun (like lincoln logs, train set, etc...).
First of all they have too much stuff anyway, I mean what kid doesn't (ok almost), but its just everywhere.

We really didn't do it out of anger, but are thinking something along the lines that they can pick like one thing a week. If they are able to keep care of it and picked up they will be able to choose another item and so on and so on. I'm thinking that I want them to take care of, apreciate, and respect the things they own. I'm hoping to teach them to be responsible with the things they own.

They totally didn't even care that we packed it all up either, they just played "boat" with all the plastic totes. And really you wouldn't even know its all gone, becasue they've been playing with blankets and pillows all morning.

My goal is not a no play zone, I actually want them to play more often, and I'm wondering if this will work??

Oh, the videos went too, but they do get to keep thier books.

Insane, or briliant??

[fyrflymommy]

i wouldn't say insane....maybe drastic? but hey it's working for you!

maybe you could get them to help you when you put stuff away? like, you could all do it together till they get the hang of it? that's what i do w/ my 1.75yrs dd.

could you get them to help you sort thru the stuff and pick what to give away?

hope this helped.

[EnviroBecca]

Sounds like they recognize that they don't need all that stuff! (Did you know yesterday/Saturday was the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, who said that having too much stuff distances us from God?) It's great that they are playing happily without so many "toys" and using their imaginations!

I think your next step is to keep the stuff packed up and not say anything about getting it out again. See if they ask about it.

In the long run, I would cull it down to just a few toys (preferably with the kids helping to decide which ones and with a limit on how many you will keep) and put all of them away. Only get one out at times when the kids are at loose ends and really need something new to do.

[Piglet68]

Well, I have read a few suggestions on how to work on the "picking up the toys" issue, in various Gentle Discipline and parenting books. While yours wasn't one of them, I have to give you a because it sounds like it's working out brilliantly!

I am at the point in my life where I'm "spiritually allergic" to clutter, and I think it's wonderful that you are decluttering your children's lives too. What's important is that they are happy, and being creative, and not missing the stuff. And from what you've said, I think your plans will also help teach them something about picking up after themselves, too.

So way to go, mom!

[HRC121799]

I think it sounds like it will work. We have been working at de-cluttering not only our own things, but some kid stuff as well. I think they appreciate it more if they're taking care of it. Your 5 y.o. could help pick out some toys to donate to kids who don't have any, that might help him appreciate them more too.

[Peppermint]

Sounds crazy but good

I have a 3.5 y.o. and a 2 y.o. and if they chose not to pick up their toys, I tell them, "well, if I pick them up, I am going to put them in the attic", if they care- they pick them up, if they don't- I take them upstairs (not in an angry way, just in a, "you clearly don't want this" way), it does help to de-clutter. I think our kids do have way too many toys as well, and your idea is appealing at times, but for the most part as this age, my kids are picking up almost all the time. We have started a thing where when they get a new toy, they have to pick out an old toy to take to Salvation Army.

Hey, if it works and isn't humiliating or unkind to the little guys- go for it!

[lovelee]

Still not a peep from the kids about the toys... I honestly have to say, I fully expected to. The busied themselves all day with only 2 afternoon cartoons (something we are also weaning from), and this morning have dug out some paper plates and a couple markers to make "Haloween decorations"!!! (Their idea).

Hmm... kinda throws a wrench in the Christmas plan, now what can I possibly give them?? Sounds like I need just as crazy approach for that.

Anyway, we are always decluttering and honestly have few things with the exception of the kids' things. DH wanted to give it all away, but I feel that IS too drastic. My 5 yr DD isn't very good about "giving" away her things, so that is definitely something we could work on.

Oh, and the drastic measure was taken because they don't pick up, even if we try to make it fun, or even if I help, they just won't do it I have to say, pick up that block, now pick up that block, now that one, etc.... UGH, I don't think so!!! DD use to be so much better about it and really do quite well but with her little 2 yr old terror of a brother, she's learned worse habits.

[Irishmommy]

I have "almost" given up on my kids ever picking up from themselves. It's gotten ridiculous, to the point where, as you said, I have to point to each block to be put away.

They also seem to take out stuff, empty it out, and go on to the next thing. Even my nine yo does this, and it makes me ready to kill (or de-clutter).

[EnviroBecca]

Hmm... kinda throws a wrench in the Christmas plan, now what can I possibly give them??

How about something like this: an organizer basket w/handle, filled w/scraps of interesting paper (ask a printshop for the ends they cut off of odd-sized documents--they'll usually give them away or sell you several pounds for $1) and crayons, scissors, glue, and some neat-looking odds and ends like old buttons. Imagine the creative possibilities! and notice how the organizer emphasizes the idea that these things have a place when not in use!

[Irishmommy]

I took your lead!!! I put every toy they own into the closet yesterday, and they are banned from it. It's been in the 80s here today so they haven't even really noticed, but I feel better lol.

[Rollermommy]

You have inspired me I will be removing all the toys today. I'm so sick of the constant battle of trying to keep a zillion toys picked up. We dont buy very many toys--maybe 3% of the stuff they have--but our relatives buy all kinds of crap and i hate it They have so much stuff they dont even care about taking care of it or show any concern when they break something. If i hear, "it's ok, grandma will buy me another one" one more time i'm gonna scream!!!!
So i'm following your lead momma We'll see if it works as well with my boys--i really hope it does!!

[DebraBaker]

At ages 2 and 5 this is doable.

*You* get to decide what you want for your children (believe me, this changes as they become school-aged "tweenagers" so enjoy this time!!)

I would look toward openended toys. I'd think of playsilks, wooden blocks (the only plastic I really *like* are legos and duplos) perhaps a wooded brio train set if your children enjoy building (and the grandparents can add on to this set for birthdays and Christmas/Hanukkah)

Along with the playsilks I like dress up's. You might consider a kitchen with "food" and pots and pans and dishes (but not too many and not tacky if you know what I mean.

Some balls and crayons/paper and *lots* of books.

The openenede toys let your child work with his imagination instead of having a toy with a predigested theme.

Debra Baker

[lovelee]

Ooooooh, someone to join me, YEAH!!! Keep me posted too!!

Kids still haven't asked for anything, OH just once my daugter asked for her doll, I said no 1 time with a "remember all your toys are put away". She quickly found a small sleeping bag to use as a baby instead. I was planning to let them pick something (one thing) tomorrow, but I think I'll wait! Yesterday they continued to play in the living room with blankets and pillows, and they have been doing more crafts. Oh and the laundry baskets ( to play snappping turtle wiht). Ds also dug out some of our camping dishes (from the kitchen) to play with in the tent they made.

I don't mind the tent in the living room, its in the corner and it ISN'T just a huge pile toys!!

They did make a mess (which they still have'nt picked up) with the books yesterday and I'm thinking of limiting them but haven't decided. We also go to the library every week so It's not like we won't be reading. We'll see.

My son did find a little truck in the van today and wouldn't let go!! I almost had to laugh!

I have to say I'm still very suprised that there hasn't been an issue yet. DD tend to be very confrontational about things and I thought for sure I'd be ready to pull my hair out from the begging but no!! Hmmmmm???

With DS just being 2 and a half, I don't think he think about it as much. He doesn't really care yet.

I am still letting them watch afternoon cartoons, which I think I should prbably get rid of. We have gone through spells where there is NO tv in the house, but DH is gone about 11 hours a day and I'm expecting, so I have to say that the TV is a nice break for me in the afternoon, so I can check e-mail and rest a little. I feel bad though. Another thing to think about.

Debra:
Thank you for the ideas, but we have all of those things, sorry!

[Marsupialmom]

I have done simimular to one child. She had to earn the toys and stuff back by taking care of and helping cleaning stuff up.