Too Many Toys
Many of today’s children do not value their toys because they have so many of them. They go from toy to toy without spending time on any one of them. They look to toys for amusement and distraction, not imaginative inspiration.
Toys are not merely playthings, they form the building blocks for our child’s future. They teach our children about the world and about themselves. Many parents do not realize this but, when it comes to toys, less is more. There are definite benefits to limiting the number of toys that children have to play with. Here are some ways that fewer toys may actually benefit children in the present and in the long term.
Toys are not merely playthings, they form the building blocks for our child’s future. They teach our children about the world and about themselves. Many parents do not realize this but, when it comes to toys, less is more. There are definite benefits to limiting the number of toys that children have to play with. Here are some ways that fewer toys may actually benefit children in the present and in the long term.
- Purchasing fewer toys is a money saver! Children need to understand that every trip to the store does not mean a toy purchase and it will encourage better future spending habits for your child.
- Children who have fewer toys may develop better social skills as they are forced to share, interact and take turns with others. Relationships with other children and adults are strengthened through conversation.
- Children become more resourceful with fewer toys.They will solve problems with items and materials that they have on hand. And resourcefulness is a gift with unlimited potential.
- Children learn to be more creative. Too many toys prevent kids from fully developing their gift of imagination. Some of the best games and play situations start with nothing.
- Children develop longer attention spans. When too many toys are introduced into a child’s life, their attention span will begin to suffer. A child will rarely learn to fully appreciate the toy in front of them when there are countless options still remaining on the shelf behind them.
- Children will become more respectful of the toys they do have and they will take greater care of them when they realize there’s not always a replacement sitting on the toy shelf.
- Children develop a greater love for reading, writing, and art. Fewer toys allow your child the time to explore the backyard, pick up a good book, dance to some music or paint a portrait.
- Children become less selfish. Children who get everything they want believe they can have everything they want. This attitude will quickly lead to an unhealthy (and unbecoming) lifestyle.
- Children experience more of the outdoors and nature. Children who do not have a toybox full of toys are more likely to play outside and develop a deep appreciation for nature.
- Children will live in a tidy home. Homes that are not cluttered with an over-abundance of toys provide calm, relaxing environments.