Most kids LOVE stuff! String, favorite feathers, rocks with names, buttons, bouncy balls, McDonald’s toys, the list is endless… How do you allow your kids to have keepsakes without overflowing into the hallway and beyond? What about their creations that you feel obligated to keep? Are you keeping every scrap of paper with a squiggle since their preschool years?
It’s all about keeping a balance, both for your kids and for yourself. Interestingly, often what parents keep out of guilt or for sentimental reasons, kids could care less about.
What should kids keep?
1) Trinkets, pictures and art that have meaning to them without judgment from us.
2) Toys that they still enjoy playing with.
3) Items that still fit in boxes, containers, storage bins & drawers-no overflowing allowed.
4) Keepsakes for display.
What should kids let go?
1) At least twice a year you should go through your child’s drawers, closets and bins with them to help them decide what should stay and what should go. You can ask them if each item is a “Friend” (frequently used) or a “Stranger” (no longer used).
2) Part with clothing that doesn’t fit-either pass it along to a sibling or to a local charity.
3) Part with toys that are no longer being played with. Either box them up and rotate them in & out, donate them, pass them on to a relative or allow your child to sell them and purchase one new toy with the proceeds.
4) When it comes to bins that are full, teach your child that they must let some things go so they can create room to store new items. Help them go through the bins.
Don’t forget, you can put on music to make it more fun, have a special snack or reward when you are done. Keep in mind, you probably shouldn’t try to do it all in one day or everyone’s gonna be cranky!
Watch for tomorrow’s post on what kid’s keepsakes parent’s should keep or let go.
