Nostalgic toys (Photo by Jane Slack-Smith on Unsplash)
Does your home look like there was an explosion in a toy store? With the holidays coming, are you going to add to that chaos? Take heart: there are good reasons to stop the madness. Giving kids fewer toys results in healthier play and deeper cognitive development.
According to a study in the journal Infant Behavior and Development, having fewer toys can lead a child to engage in more creative play. Researchers, at the University of Toledo in Ohio, reported that an abundance of toys reduced the quality of toddlers’ play.
The scientists studied 36 toddlers, from 18 to 30 months of age, in free-play sessions. They were given either four toys or 16 toys and were observed during sustained play sessions which involved various manner of play.
The toddlers with four toys had a greater quality of play. They interacted with their toys for 1.5 times longer than the children with 16 toys. Children with fewer toys also played with them in more varied ways.
The researchers in Toledo noted that all the young participants played with either four or 16 toys on different days, and in random order. That ensured that the differences in results could be attributed to the environment, not any variability among the children.
What are the downsides of having too many toys?
Just like a messy office or desk can distract adults, an overabundance of toys is distracting to children. There are additional negative aspects to the toy glut:
- It can hamper creativity, life skills, imagination, mental health and team spirit.
- It can create an inability to play with everyday objects.
- There is more sibling fighting.
- It shortens attention spans.
- It lessens care for toys.
- It generates sensory overload.
- It adversely affects the environment.
What are the advantages of having fewer toys?
Cutting back on toys actually encourages creativity. With fewer toys, kids create their own stories and invent new games and activities. They develop critical thinking skills.
Kids also develop resourcefulness. They will repurpose toys and combine them innovatively.
Playing with fewer toys also avoids overstimulation. With fewer toys, kids focus more effectively. A calmer environment promotes concentration and mindfulness.
Having fewer toys can promote appreciation. Kids will value their toys, as well as learn responsibility. They learn to take care of their possessions.
For parents and caregivers, it saves money. Buying fewer toys and avoiding impulse buying means allocating resources more effectively. It also lessens spending on storage for a mountain of different toys.
Dealing with fewer toys develops organization skills. Less clutter promotes appreciation for organization.
Kids are more likely to engage in collaborative play, promoting their social skills. They learn negotiation, communication, and conflict resolution skills. Fewer toys also fosters empathy and an awareness of multiple perspectives.
Cutting down on the toy bulk encourages quality time. Having fewer toys can be conducive to quality family time with shared experiences. They can create lasting memories.
Finally, fewer toys decrease their environmental impact. Many toys are made of plastic or other non-biodegradable materials. Fewer, higher quality toys made from sustainable materials reduces a family’s environmental footprint.
How to cut down on a kid’s toy collection
You can purge the toys using the three-box method.
- Donate box: These are items that are in usable condition. A good rule to follow is to ask yourself if the toy is in good enough condition that you would let your child play with it again. If the answer is yes, it’s ok to donate it. If the answer is no, it needs to go into the next box on this list. Some places to donate include local nonprofit organizations that are supportive of children, shelters for the homeless or survivors of domestic violence, or churches which help impoverished children or families. You could also put an ad in your local newspaper’s give-away section.
- Trash box: This is for toys in poor condition, and puzzles with missing pieces.
- Keep box: Some of these may be the child’s choice. Consider hanging on to toys which encourage creativity and imagination.
Every toy should have its assigned place, making it easy for kids to stay organized. Use bins, cabinets, or cubbies.
How to avoid overbuying toys
Give experiences, rather than things. Tickets to an amusement park, a movie, or a trip to the zoo are popular toy alternatives. Having time with their parents is something children will cherish. Have lots of fun making memories. There are plenty of books available with ideas for experiences and information about local and state parks and attractions. Act like tourists in your hometown and region.
You can also ask grandparents and loved ones to give fewer physical gifts, but to consider giving experiences. Rotate toys if you accumulate more. Put some out of sight, and periodically exchange them for the toys which your child has been playing with.
