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Early Years (2-6)

Toy clutter Great ways to get your kids to clean it up – plus more news and tips for parents of children ages 2-6. by Kelly St. John RegierPublished: October, 2008

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Is your child’s bedroom swimming with so many plastic, battery-operated toys that he doesn’t have enough hours in the day to play with them? Do you worry about a world where landfills overflow with junk toys that aren’t biodegradable?     Perhaps, then, it is time to tame your toy clutter. Keeping junk toys out of your home can save a busy mom her sanity, and it’s good for the planet, too. Here are some ideas about how to weed out that unnecessary toy clutter while being a better steward of the earth: > Set up a toy swap. Who decided that every kid has to own every single toy that his friends do? Instead of pulling out your wallet to keep up with the Joneses, set up a toy swap to take turns using the toys you already have. Each kid gets a week or two to play with something that is new to her – without generating more waste. > Invest in a smaller number of high-quality toys. Look for toys that capture your children’s imagination and encourage pretend play. Wooden blocks, LEGOS, dress-up gear, tea sets and sports equipment are examples that stand the test of time. > Give more experiences, fewer things. What’s most precious to children is time with their parents. Imagine the kind of memories your child can make with an empty refrigerator box, his creativity and a parent’s help. It can become a rocket ship, a castle, a fort, a bus … and an afternoon of giggles. > Suggest gift alternatives to grandparents. Ask them to contribute to the cost of music or swim lessons, or spring for an annual family pass to the aquarium. Give a book or new art supplies. Or treat a grandchild to miniature golfing or the movies. > Buy used toys; find a good home for your hand-me-downs. Consignment stores, thrift shops and garage sales can be great places to find toys and gear. When your little ones grow out of their toys, give them to a younger friend or have a garage sale. Hallo-weeeeen fun! Start your celebration of this spooky holiday in the weeks leading up to Oct. 31 with some creative arts and crafts: > Paint a pumpkin: With a paintbrush and some paint, you can turn a small pumpkin into a work of art. > Make a pasta skeleton: Gather dried beans and different kinds of uncooked pasta: spaghetti, macaroni, spirals and wagon wheels. Glue them on black construction paper in the shape of a skeleton. Wagon-wheel pasta makes a good skull; long tubes make good arms and leg bones. > Build an egg-carton spider: Take one cup from an egg carton and make four holes on each side at the base of the cup. Insert pipe cleaners for legs; draw a face. > Jack-o’-lantern mask: Draw its face on the back of a paper plate; cut out eyes, nose and a mouth. Punch holes on each side. Use yarn to tie it to your child’s face.  n Kelly St. John Regier is a contributing writer. 10 Great Halloween treats (other than candy!) 1. Pencils, crayons and erasers 2. Organic Spooky S’mores and ZBars, both by CLIF Bar 3. Play-doh or bubbles 4. Temporary tattoos (not black henna ones! See Family News) or stickers 5. Curly straws 6. Juice boxes 7. Fruit roll-ups or yummy granola bars 8. Frozen yogurt coupons 9. Mini snack bags of potato chips or fish crackers 10. Glow sticks

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