Day 354

With the holidays just around the corner, an annual rite of passage has begun. An event that is simultaneously painful and pleasing.

The toy purge.

Being a playful family, we have a decent amount of toys throughout the house. While we aim to be outdoors as much as we can, we still enjoy a good toy or game. While the interests of the kids shift like the wind, we have a few staples that have stood the test of time so far.

While each child has their favorites, they actually do spend a fair amount of time playing together. Legos, stuffed animals, and our collection of dress up clothes are toys being used (and occasionally abused) on a consistent basis. While we enjoy the times our children are playing well together, playing is much like evolution. Eventually, time changes interests and abilities. Along with those changes are a need for different toys. But to make room for new toys, we need to make room by getting rid of old ones.

The annual toy purge is met with trepidation and concern from the kids and sometimes the adults. Do we really want to get rid of certain toys? Can we donate them to family or friends? Can I use them in the classroom? Most of the time, decisions are made quite easily. Occasionally, toys get neglected and left unplayed with. Sometimes, pieces are missing and/or broken, They meet the same fate as the neglected ones. On a rare occasion, we have to purge under the cover of darkness.

The purge isn’t relegated to our downstairs playroom. Each child gets a box and is asked to fill it with toys they no longer wish to have. It’s akin to pulling teeth, but as painless as it may be, the kids get it done. These boxes are then sifted through, organized, and categorized before they move on to the classroom, the donation center, or occasionally the recycling bin.

Before we know it, the toys are replenished and the pattern repeats itself. It’s OK though. When you have a playful family, you play. And play comes with a great deal of decisions and growth.

For parent and child.