However, kids love to be near you so if you are not in the playroom with them they follow along and of course bring toys wherever they go. My favorite way to handle the toys is to leave out a couple of large baskets. You may want to consider doing this in every room you spend a lot of time in. Our kitchen and living room are one room so I don’t need separate baskets for them.
During the day as the toys explode. The toys that we are very fortunate to have, I just have to say, because I really do feel this way. It is important for me to keep it all in perspective. Just toss the random toys into the baskets as the kids move on to the next item they are playing with. Personally I don’t worry about organizing them too much during the day because otherwise that is all I would do all day long.
The great thing is you don’t have to go out and buy baskets if you don’t want to. It is a great way to reuse boxes, especially big diaper boxes, or old laundry baskets. And if you want something more pleasing to the eye you can get all sorts of nice baskets, and similar things on sale often. Just keep your eye out for something that fits your budget, and use something else until then. Lots of the time Michael’s has 50% off sales on their baskets. A lovely friend of mine gave me a good tip, if you join Michael’s website you can get discount coupons as well.
The baskets we use I found at Costco. It was a box of 3 baskets that fit inside one another. It was a long time ago now, but I do remember when I came across them thinking, that is a great deal for 3 big baskets.
One other tip that is not new and I think so many of us can remember our parents doing similar things, is to have a low drawer or cupboard in the kitchen with kid friendly items. As much as a kitchen while cooking is not always the safest place for kids, the reality for many of us is they are going to stay with you, so that drawer can help keep them busy. Lots of people put Tupperware in a low drawer that their children are allowed in. Mine is full of plastic plates and bowls. It is also home to a large frying pan I have not found a better place to put yet. Here is a picture of what Lil’ Sis was doing with the pan, because it was in her drawer.
Hopefully these tips are helpful, especially for those who have children on the way (my sister, yay!), or would like to down the road.
It is wonderful to hear tips from those of you with experience. I’m grateful you guys are always teaching me.
What have you done to keep a handle on the toys, and to occupy children throughout the home?