How to help kids get rid of old toys

While seeing their face light up after opening that new toy your child has been wanting is a joy for most parents, some will have the realization that all the new toys they have received over the holidays will now be added to the already large collection of old toys.

Although the thought of getting rid of toys can be traumatizing for both child and parent, there are many benefits to cleaning out the toy bins. According to KidsActivities.com, having too many toys might be overstimulating and can make it harder for kids to focus on tasks and things they should learning at a particular age. By having less toys, kids can learn to become more creative on coming up with games to play. Getting rid of toys also teaches them about donating and helping other people.

Here are a few ways to take the drama and tears out of getting rid of old toys:

1. Talk: Make it a serious conversation. Some reasons you can use to convince them to get rid of some of their toys are; “you will have much more space to play,” “you will not have to clean that much,” “you will always find your favorite toys, because they won’t be cluttered under the ones that you don’t play with,” “you will always be playing with your favorite toys” and “you will feel awesome to give that toy to someone who really wants it.”

2. Make it playful: You can have a pretend garage sale/donation in their room, laying all the toys and clothes that they thought they think they don’t need anymore, and put fake prices on them. Parents can then play the “shoppers” and bargain to get the price down.

3. Give them a choice: Make them feel like they are the decision makers.

4. Don’t rush: Give them time so decide which toys do they want to part with.

5. Don’t throw away anything: Kids will more likely give away their toys to someone rather then see it in the trash bin. Find places to donate all the toys, clothes and other belongings