353: Trending Towards Minimalism with Toys with Dawn from The Minimal Mom
Nov 17, 2022
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Dawn, the Minimal Mom, shares the impact of decluttering toys on her kids and strategies to make big changes in the home. They discuss the advantages of minimalism for children's toys and the importance of estate planning. They also talk about creating a play space, managing possessions with 'time will tell' boxes, and navigating children's desires for toys. Plus, they highlight the benefits of minimalism and recent projects they have been working on.
Reducing toy clutter and encouraging open-ended play fosters creativity and independence in children.
Setting boundaries and involving children in post-holiday toy review can help align gift-giving habits with minimalist values.
Deep dives
The benefits of simplifying toys and encouraging imagination
Simplifying toys and allowing children to use their imagination rather than relying on toys has numerous benefits. It fosters creativity, reduces clutter and overwhelm, and helps children become more independent in their play. By having a limited number of open-ended toys like blocks, Legos, and dolls, children are able to engage in longer and more meaningful play. They are less likely to become bored or rely on adults to facilitate their play. Research shows that children do not need a multitude of toys to be creative and imaginative. Parents can create peaceful spaces for their children by reducing toy clutter and giving them the opportunity to use their imagination.
Managing toys during holidays and gift giving
During holidays and gift giving, parents can set boundaries and communicate with relatives about gift ideas that align with their minimalist approach. Recommending consumable gifts, experiences, or crafting supplies can be great alternatives to excess toys. Encouraging relatives to ask for suggestions helps ensure that given gifts are practical and aligned with the parents' preferences. After the holidays, parents can involve their children in a post-holiday toy review, where they can learn to manage their inventory and donate toys that are no longer used. Over time, even relatives may adjust their gift-giving habits to align with the family's minimalist values.
The role of toy rotation and daily management
While some parents practice toy rotation, it is not necessary for everyone. Toy rotation involves periodically switching out toys to maintain a fresh play experience. However, it requires organization and may not be suitable for everyone. Daily toy management can involve establishing clear boundaries, such as keeping toys in designated areas like family rooms and avoiding bedrooms. It is important to ensure that children have an appropriate number of toys that they can easily clean up on their own. Implementing toy rotation or daily management strategies depends on individual preferences and the needs of the children.
Strategies for dealing with specific types of toys
Specific types of toys, such as Legos, can be managed by setting limits on the number of Legos children can have at a time. Children can be encouraged to focus on small, meaningful creations and display them in dedicated spaces. Finished Lego creations can be kept for a certain period before being dismantled or reused for new creations. Outdoor toys, like swing sets and sandboxes, can provide great entertainment, but it's important to strike a balance between having enough outdoor toys and avoiding excessive clutter. Communication with children about the role and purpose of toys, and involving them in managing their toys, can help foster a sense of responsibility and contentment.
In this episode, I’m talking with Dawn of the Minimal Mom on YouTube. We’re talking about toys since she is closer to that stage than I am. She shares the impact decluttering toys had on her kids and the strategies she used to make big changes in her home. Join Take Your House Back My […]