Locked closet update (aka went Dr. Phil on my son)

[pjlippert]

So, you may recall that about a week ago I went "Dr. Phil" on my DS and tossed a majority of his toys into his closet, locked the door and hid the key. He hasn't missed ANY of the what I now consider superfluous toys. Many of you were right, he's making due with what he has and is calmer and hasn't said, "I'm bored, I don't have anything to play with" - not once!!

He's become much more creative- building forts with pillows & blankets, playing outside more, using his imagination with the toys he does still have available. I was concerned that he might want to turn all of his energy to the Wii or TV, but that has not been the case. He's also wanting to spend more time with me playing games & such. It's wonderful!

So, I guess that means I can pack up all of those toys and donate them.

Thanks again for all of your advice & encouragement.

Pam

 

[angie_nrs]

I just watched this dude on Oprah last week (Peter Walsh, I think) for a few minutes that said that level spaces are meant to be level (in other words, clear of clutter). It made me re-think my counter-top space, which I started to re-arrage this week, but I digress....

He said that, without exception, every time he cleared out a space in a play room or basement, the kids went into that space and started dancing!! I think that says loads about how inundated with stuff we all are and how simplifying things is so much more satifying for all of us....including our kids.

I agree that simpler is better! I'm so glad it is working out for you.

 

[dreamyjeanie]

Wow that is great news. I have heard that rotating toys/books works too. Certain toys and books are boxed up and then later brought back out while others are then boxed up. The children then treat the returned toys with a new zest as if they were actually new toys.

Jean

 

[kathryn]

Wow that is great news. I have heard that rotating toys/books works too. Certain toys and books are boxed up and then later brought back out while others are then boxed up. The children then treat the returned toys with a new zest as if they were actually new toys.

Jean

Hmm....that sounds like a tactic that might work for those of us who have LOTS of workout DVD's, as well.

 

[jcm]

I just watched this dude on Oprah last week (Peter Walsh, I think) for a few minutes that said that level spaces are meant to be level (in other words, clear of clutter). It made me re-think my counter-top space, which I started to re-arrage this week, but I digress....

He said that, without exception, every time he cleared out a space in a play room or basement, the kids went into that space and started dancing!! I think that says loads about how inundated with stuff we all are and how simplifying things is so much more satifying for all of us....including our kids.

I agree that simpler is better! I'm so glad it is working out for you.

That's funny and true! EVERY time I clean out the room in the basement and leave open floor space the kids run down there to play ball, do gymnastics and dance!!

 

[pjlippert]

That is sooo true about the floor space- especially the basement! Hey there really is a floor under all those forts and such. Kathryn, I shudder at the idea of boxing up my Cathe DVD's!! But it is true if there are some oldies but goodies you haven't visisted in a while, there is a new zest for them- like hanging out and sweating with an old friend!

Happy Monday, ladies!

Pam

 

[MidgetDogg]

I don't think you should give the toys away... yet. Use the strategy of rotating them. He will have more fun with them that way. My daughter loves building forts in my living room, but they're always right in the walking zone. It is fun watching them use their imagination, isn't it? Glad it's working out for you