Cutting Back on Toys Is a Good Thing

By Donna Stark

Do you have a bunch of little ones in your home? If you do, you probably have a bunch of toys in your home too. And being that the holidays were just a few weeks ago, it wouldn't be a surprise if those shelves, drawers, boxes, and crates of toys have grown exponentially! It's a wonderful feeling to sit back and watch your children play, but perhaps it may be more beneficial to them if they actually had fewer toys to engage with? This doesn't mean you should haul away all your children's favorite playthings. It just means you may want to consider reducing a few of those piles. Take a look at how fewer toys can benefit your children's overall well-being.

Increased Focus

Do you ever get overwhelmed when looking over a six-page menu at a restaurant? It can be hard to focus on one particular item, can't it? Well, the same can be said for all of those toys, too! If your child has piles and piles of toys to choose from, it can be extremely difficult to decide what to play with. On top of that, when your child does decide, all those other options will be sitting there vying for their own attention too! When there are fewer items to choose from, though, your child will be less distracted and will be able to focus more on what they are playing with. They may even play with that specific toy for longer.

Increased Imagination

Another great reason why you should get rid of all those distracting toys is that your child's imagination will grow! Kids are naturally good at creating stories and using their imagination, but when they aren't pushed to do so (like when their toys do their thinking for them), these skills can be stifled. Don't let your child's play become passive. Keep them active and engaged by removing some of their toys.

Less Clutter for Calmer Days

We all know how good it feels to remove the clutter and junk around our home, and the same can be said for your children and their toys. With fewer toys, your children may be less overwhelmed during playtime and may even become less distressed when it comes time to clean up. It's a win-win for everyone involved!

Going Through the Toys

Getting rid of your children's toys doesn't mean you are saying no to fun. After all, you aren't getting rid of them all! You're just going through the piles and selecting the best ones to keep. Or, if you don't want to permanently get rid of toys, just separate and rotate them every few weeks or so. Many parents have found great success with this strategy too!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lakewood, Colo.