For several weeks now, I have watched my usually creative, imaginative young boys wander aimlessly around the house. I have listened to them whine and complain they have nothing to do, and beg multiple times in a day to play Wii or Gameboy or to watch a movie. When given suggestions of unplugged activities they usually enjoy: building a block fort, creating a LEGO masterpiece, or constructing a train layout, for example, I have seen their little eyes roll and heard audible sighs escaping from their lips… and this morning I had had enough!
In a house full of toys and games and books, my boys were seemingly lost. If not plugged into something designed to entertain them, they had no idea what to do. Now, I am not opposed to the occasional video game, on-line website, or television show, but when my active little boys lose interest in everything not powered by a plug, I draw the line. When they run past piles of matchbox cars, game pieces, and LEGOS to be the first to play a computer game, something has to be done.
So, today, I put on my thinking cap, brain-strormed ideas, and decided on this one: this afternoon, I removed all of the toys from the boys’ rooms save their Webkinz stuffed-animals and one other toy group of their choice: matchbox cars for Connor and LEGOS for Ryan. Complaints of “there’s nothing to do” may now be more warranted, but somehow, I believe that fewer choices will result in more quality play time.
To my wide-eyed young ones, I explained that if in one week’s time, they have demonstrated they are enjoying their chosen toys and taking care of them, meaning playing with them appropriately and cleaning them up at the end of the day, I will return another group of toys from those I have removed from their rooms. If not, they will lose the toy group they currently have for another week.
After a few weeks, I will take the toys remaining in my packed boxes and give them to charity… or maybe I’ll open a toy store. Yes, there are THAT many toys in the boxes.
Tonight, my little guys will tell you that mama has indeed gone mad… but I’m hoping that the old adage of less is more will hold true in this instance. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on the success… or lack thereof… of my little experiment.