Outgrown Kid's Toys

With children it is easy, far to easy, to find yourself in a house overflowing with kid toys. This is partly due to the undeniable fact that "toys are fun", and not just for the kids. The temptation to buy something that looks like it will be cool is hard to resist.

Another great reason is that grandparents love to spoil their grandchildren. This is usually the source of the large and loud toys. I suspect the motivation is the sparkling delight the toy inspires in their grandchildren, but I am also sure there is the adjoining thought, "I am so glad that toy is not in my house."

My favorite reason though is that other parents, who are in the same boat, do their very best to pass on as many toys as possible to new parents who do not yet know any better. I am honestly glad for this (even if the end result is toy chaos,) because we have inherited some truly wonderful toys this way. Toys that have brought with them hours of exploration, entertainment and joy.

All of this brings me to the current issue, toy chaos. New toys keep getting added, but the removal of outgrown toys seems nearly impossible. Outgrown toys are hard to part with for many reasons.

First, toys have the uncanny ability to go into hiding. Once they are no longer the favorite, you no longer have to overturn every stone to bring them back to their, impatient and at times hysterical master. It is a wonder the places I have found toys. If left alone, forgotten toys will quietly settle beneath the debris and hide out until the next major excavation clean up brings them back to the light and to memory. This is where the second hurdle comes in.

Now that the forgotten toy is back the child remembers how much they once loved the toy. They see it and think of all the many adventures they have had. It does not matter that they have moved on to more advanced, challenging and exciting toys. The idea of parting with this once treasured item is like saying goodbye to an old friend.

If by some miracle the child is willing to part with the toy there is still one final challenge. Are you willing to part with it? Seeing these old toys, brings up your own memories of days gone by. Of little hands, little bodies and little laughs. Days you do not get back. For as much as I love watching my kids grow, as excited as I get for their next achievement, I miss the sweetness of their first days.

Finally, we have a good sized pile of toys set aside to pass along. Though none of us are yet convinced we are willing to part with them. Perhaps once we meet the new friend we have agreed to give the toys to that will make the separation a little easier. There is nothing that heals the loss like seeing your old favorites go to someone who is excited to receive them and will love them just at much as you did.  Here's hoping.

Many blessings to you on this fine night.--Kate