Home is where the heart is, and for many of us in the developed world it is also where many things are! Our home environment really shapes the course of our day (especially in a homeschool family). I try to find a quiet space that meets my child’s creative needs with spaces for creative play, exercise, and learning.
It’s a big challenge.
In many ways, homeschooling sometimes seems like the opposite of a minimalist lifestyle. After all, we are trying to connect the classroom to our home!
Whether you homeschool or not, I’m sure all of us adults have struggled with the idea that our children need “stuff” from us in order to be happy. I have no doubt that those same things can make us miserable later when we’re tripping over toys and throwing stuff in the closet when company drops by.
There has to be an easier, better way… right?
Children are the best children who are the smallest and the smallest
The “right way” can look very different for each family and different life chapters. Preschoolers have different play needs than 1-year-olds or 10-year-olds. Even if your home isn’t cramped for space, it’s often less.
Here are a few basic principles that have helped our family adopt a healthy lifestyle. I figured out (after trial and error) what was important and what we could do without.
1. Less ownership
I love the classic “Dear Abby” advice:
If you want your kids to turn out well, take twice as much for them and half the money.
That sounds like good advice, but it can feel pretty painful in practice if we don’t learn to say “no” to ourselves and our children. We all say we want a simple life, but when it comes to that look of joy on their faces when we say “yes”… how can we resist?!
I’ve written before about how much more modern household items are than our ancestors did two centuries ago. Video games, remote control cars, and plastic toys with sounds and flashing lights replaced simple toys.
And when it comes to our children, it becomes even more shocking:
- The average child in the developed world has over 70 toys but plays with… wait for it… only 12!
- The average American parent spends $317 per year on new toys for each child. Imagine repeating, year after year, the family with many children.
- Only 3% of the world’s children live in the United States, but they own more than 40% of the world’s toys!
These are some wonderful reasons to reevaluate what our children really need to be happy. Chances are, their fondest childhood memories don’t revolve around things. Family habits will not change until we convince ourselves that buying more things will not make us and our children happy.
2. Steal Toys (& Kids Will Enjoy)
I love Montessori principles and have had a lot of success setting up “playgrounds” in our home. These can be adjusted for different ages and abilities. When my kids were younger than 3-years-old she could easily play with the toy tray and clean herself (with a little prompting from mom!). Older siblings from 4-years-old to 12-years-old were able to take charge of their own play area.
A home can never look or function like a Montessori classroom. However, Montessori’s basic concept of “freedom from limits” is sure to be incorporated into our daily lives at home. We limit the freedom of young children to set them up for success, while increasing their freedom (and responsibility) as they age.
There are countless ways to organize toys. Limiting a child’s toys to the extent that they can take them out and put them away independently gives them more freedom and choice.
This does not mean getting rid of all toys. It could mean limiting them to a certain number, or to a certain room only, or even rotating small containers of toys periodically.
Physical boundaries like a closet or box help us know when it’s time to move or clean up toys. Small children can each have a toy box and any other suitable items they can keep in it. This helps them to have the freedom to choose what they want, within the limits of a reasonable space. Items such as baby toys or toddler toys for a 2-year-old can easily fit in a basket or two.
3. Stick to Children’s Products
I prefer my children’s entertainment to come from the great outdoors (think climbing trees, running, building forts, etc.). Inside, I encourage them to use the things I have at home and serve another purpose or profession. Things like cooking/injecting, making an indoor obstacle course of sofa cushions, or old clothes.
I’m sure most of us moms have come up with creative ways to keep a toddler occupied in need with nothing more than a pot, a kitchen sink, and a little water.
That’s not to say there isn’t a place for well-chosen toys in the home, especially those that encourage exercise, fine motor skills, and problem solving.
4. Make your buying choices carefully
It comes down to being very selective before you bring the toy into your home, even if it’s just a dollar at a garage sale. Liat Hughes Joshi, author of the book Raising Children: The Early Yearsoffers three main factors to help determine whether a purchase is profitable or not.
These are things to keep in mind for Christmas, birthdays, or during Amazon’s Black Friday sales! Before you buy a toy, ask yourself…
Can my child use this with other children? (social value)
Can more than one child use this toy at once? If so, at what age? Will this player encourage active play and sharing? Good examples of toys that serve this purpose well would be a doll’s house, a board game, or a kitchen with play food.
How quickly will they tire of this toy? (life)
How big does this toy allow my child to be? Is it for one purpose, or can it be used in many ways? How much?
Open-ended toys such as Lego sets, Lincoln Logs, magna tiles, or silk scarves allow children to recreate them in creative ways when they are older. These will be essential items around your home much longer than other stuffed animals or toys.
Is it sustainable? What materials is it made of and can some parts break?
Even though it means spending more up front, having a few quality and well-chosen items always beats plastic waste.
It’s less to clean, less environmental waste and brings a higher resale value when it comes time to clean up… giving another child happiness. There are sales groups all over Facebook now for wooden toys!
So which toys are the best? I have ideas! These make great gift ideas if you need ideas for family members for Christmas and birthdays. Some are short on stuffing too.
Kids Are the Best Players Ever!
Here are some of the funniest toys of our time. I have deliberately tried to keep the list short and down to the essentials. Check out my other posts on the best organic toys and the ultimate gift guide for more quality tips! These include the best gift ideas for a wide range of ages from babies to 9-year-olds and beyond.
I’m a fan of creative options like original toys and cooperative/learning options like a new card game. Top players made the list!
The Best Toys to Encourage Creativity in Kids
Collaborative products
Active or outdoor sports
For luxury players
I really enjoyed this podcast interview with Cas from Clutterbug about how to get organized with kids. For more information check out how to organize the house (for us busy moms!). Or this interview I did with Joshua Becker about how to reduce stress and anxiety.
What toys have stood the test of time for you? What toys do you say “no” to? Please share below!