Are Toys Doing More HARM than GOOD?🤔🚗 (Simplifying Toys Series Ep. 13)

[@TheMinimalMom]

Please know that I'm NOT trying to make any mom feel guilty (especially if your kids are already grown!) We all do the best we can with the information that we have at the time! THANK YOU for watching and THANK YOU for sharing your experience!!! -Dawn

[@eviewesner6231]

Thanks again for reiterating that this is a process. Thanks again for your encouragement! Glad you could post your video!!

[@mjcarr2011]

Dawn, how do you manage all the things they make? I have one that likes to create but can't let go of the creations, and there are a lot! Especially the bigger creations.

[@anaahacevcic2748]

Miranda I think one of the previous videos was about this. (I am such a 'the minimal Mom' fan, i know them almost by heart. Hahahaha). It's about how the fun is in the process and not in the final product...go see it. It is awsome!!

[@simonethach7134]

@@mjcarr2011 when i told my niece she needs to purge she can't do it she wants to keep everything but when I told her she can keep 3 to 5 of her favorite arts I can see her mind shift and makes it easier to purge things. Give them boundaries and limit so they know that's what they have to work with instead give them free range. I start doing that with everything she got one small basket for art supplies, two small basket for toys if it's doesn't fit it's got to go and she understands it.

[@josieschmo4172]

The way you communicate and articulate these thoughts is so clear! Thank you!

[@mars81700]

The like on this video came from my 7 year old. He got up to use the restroom (he should be sleeping but that's a different issue) and heard this and asked to watch with me. He said he needed to learn how to go through his toys. He now is asking to have a garage sale and get cardboard and tape. I am still struggling with minimalism and having him sold so easily has me shocked. He asked if it was ok to keep his lego. I said ok and his response was I think everything else can go. I am in utter disbelief.

[@bluesouthpaw6326]

When i was a child i naturally was like this too. Naturally at a very young age i didn't want much cluttering up my room. I always would ask to get rid of things and my mother would always put the guilt trip on me and force me to keep all these things i didn't want. A lot of which i didn't even ask for. They were just random things my mom would buy. I would be forced to find a home in my neat and tidy room for these new things all the time. I hated that part of my childhood. Being forced to keep stuff i never wanted. I new in my head i couldn't think straight with all these things that i had to look at in my room. I was a minimalist before i even knew what a minimalist was! The day i moved out of the house i got rid of all the stuff. Or left it behind. I am a super minimalist now and wouldn't change it for the world. Moral of the story...some kids naturally are like this from the get go. For xmas and birthdays help him to put useful things on his wishlist. He's old enough, heck, tell him to ask for cash or giftcards from people lol. Then he can save for something big. That's what my 4 yr old is doing. She's saving up for a blue car so she can go to the library on her own lol.

[@TheEllaTB]

My kids too! I thought they would want to hold on to things, but they started creating their own minimal play environments and they were so proud to show it off!

[@oneofmany7051]

@mars81700 - We often give kids so little credit, don't we? I remember so much from my early childhood and how much responsibility I had at a fairly young age. As the oldest of 7, I had plenty of opportunities to hone my responsibility skills and delegating skills, among others. And I also know that children who came generations before me had much more on their plate at that age than I ever did. Knowing all that, I still struggle with not giving my kids (9, 8, 6) enough credit for their ideas and abilities. As always, life is a work in progress! I have learned so much about myself from my children. From a faith perspective, I can seen how my children's challenges (and strengths) are opportunities for the refinement of my own heart - God has given me exactly what I need to work out my salvation. I hope that doesn't sound too preachy and makes even just a little bit of sense!! I guess my main point is that God works in marvelous ways through children and we would do good to pay more attention to them for that reason. Give your little gem of a son some extra love and praise be to God for giving you such a beautiful example under your own roof!

[@badgsten]

😭 This is so blessed. I'm so excited for your son!

[@cv7357]

Oh that is so cute!

[@donnahoppe7391]

My six children are all grown now. I stayed at home and homeschooled all of them from beginning to end and finances were very tight, which resulted in very few toys. At the time, I felt bad for them although, like you have found, they were extremely creative in finding things to do and play with. In recent times, I have been thankful for less toys because what few they had, they took good care of and treasured them. I see children who don't value their toys because they have so many and don't take care of them. Several of my children have also expressed thankfulness in not having much growing up. I appreciate your videos and am encouraged, even as a grandma now. Keep up the good work.

[@flossy4802]

So true Dawn!!! My 3 little grandchildren have every toy you can imagine and where are they the most happiest...... out in the dirt in the backyard!!

[@lanegoodspeed5103]

My parents owned a marina and the outboard motors came in giant cardboard boxes. We built houses and forts and hideouts for hours and days on end! Pots and pans in the kitchen provided hours of entertainment. I completely agree on letting kids invent things and stories and act them out. I remember very few of my toys but I do remember all the fun we had with things we created out of stuff around us. Thank you for this one Dawn!

[@dianaott2662]

That's great! We would do card board boxes also. We would also do plays in the garage and invite people in the neighborhood.

[@silvergirl2847]

We used have many factory warehouses near us and used ask for boxes .we had many many happy times building little towns Inthe garden .

[@emilykelly2815]

I grew up with few toys. Everyone always commented on how creative my family was. I just thought it was natural to be always making/planning things. Your video really opened my eyes to the probability that it was because I had few actual toys. I really want to be more minimal with my own children's toys now!

[@Lantanana]

It suddenly occurred to me, that the same goes for me. When I don't have as many toys, I function better too! Lol

[@silvergirl2847]

True!

[@NorGallaFamily]

So true!!!

[@marijkekohler574]

I totally agree, and it inspired me do another declutter today :)

[@itoshiibaka8267]

That inspires me to take a harder look at my hobby and fun items...

[@meanderinmelancholic]

I was just thinking that myself! I get crabby and overwhelmed too when I have too much going on in my space.

[@Jessiemadanat]

Ask yourself 1. Is it an open ended toy? Or does it think for your child? Keep the open ended toy - ex blocks, dolls, Legos 2. Make a craft station but set it up effectively with an art cart and recycle materials like trader Joe's bags, sweet potato nets, sticks, rocks etc 3. Seek out toys made of wood instead of plastic usually they are open eneded 4. Toy rotation. Keep a Rubbermaid bin of toys in the basement bring it out later and it's Christmas.

[@karaa7595]

Jessie Madanat a truck that does everything can actually show a kid how a truck works in the first place. Kids don't need to redesign the wheel. There is a specific way to build things. So my son will open up the doors and see how doors work. If he didn't see that to begin with he would never know how they work on trucks.

[@alicejohnson6775]

I totally agree about the excess.......what are we DOING to our children!!!!!? I think too much stuff(and choices) causes stress for our little ones. I have shared this with my FB friends .....they think i am weird because I don't have tons of toys and I don't allow TV. Keep going Dawn.....you are my cyber guru!

[@bannergirl1]

I think that comment about too many choices producing stress is right on. It happens to us too.

[@sheilak4493]

I will never forget buying my grandson this huge hot wheels garage and he played with it maybe 3 times... Your advice is spot on

[@kls8601]

Working on a massive toy declutter right now! I have really been feeling guilty about getting rid of a lot of my daughters toys. It has been a huge source of stress these past few days. This video has really motivated me to follow through with the great toy purge!

[@langhals33ify]

Dawn. Thank you for posting. I needed this in my life! I fight my 5 year old everyday over many of the topics you mentioned. I feel ashamed to say I would always take up the tape for fear of them “wasting” it. Thank you... I know better now!

[@klintworth529]

Thank you so much Dawn! I’ve been feeling so conflicted about their toys! We just downsized them again this week and I think we will take it further. Their resistance to this is heartbreaking (every toy is their FAVORITE 🤦🏼‍♀️) but I know they will adjust and then thrive. 💕

[@jenniferh3858]

I never had the Barbie doll car(which I really wanted) when I was a kid. So I would make one with a cereal box. I also used blocks, thread spools, milk cartons, cardboard boxes, trash, etc. to make my own custom built fully furnished Barbie mansion💕 I would spend all day designing and creating😊 So much fun!

[@shannontorrens1]

Great point, this is why I never feel bad about decluttering toys 😁

[@dianas4914]

Wow!! I loved this video so much! At this point we have reduced our toys to about 50% and I think we can go deeper. But even now we are noticing that they play better and don’t seem so overwhelmed....I remember telling my sister...”it’s like they have everything and nothing” because they never knew what to do with all of their toys and I could never solve this problem. Thank you so much because I feel like we now have the tools we need to be on a better path! 😍

[@jamiemarscin7465]

The part about giving kids a toy is insulting their creativity is right on! My youngest son loves to create books, so I bought him a whole stack of blank, premade paper books for his stories. He prefers to put the books together himself with construction paper, copy paper and staples to hold them together. Both my boys also love to play and build with anything other than a toy! Vacuum cleaner hose, cardboard tubes, large cardboard box. I actually have a picture of my oldest son after his first birthday party. He was sitting amongst a sea of toys happily playing with a hanger. I should have realized then! Lol

[@jmcast3195]

For me personally, I started getting rid of toys because I truly cannot stand picking them up all the time and the mess they create. I am super done with having a messy house in general and simplifying is the ONLY way anything stays tidy around here.

[@aprilmaxwell6524]

Oh how I wish I had your videos 10 years ago. Thank you so much for sharing all you do. It truly has helped my household and myself beyond anything I could have imagined.😊

[@jennv2324]

Since simplifying I have noticed the same results with our kids! Its life changing and so freeing to not have toys everywhere. Thanks for all your wisdom Dawn 💕

[@OnlyPunkin8]

What you say toward the end about not letting then have a voice with regards to what they get rid of. That is so important. I read a book recently talking about hoarders and in so many of the cases the hoarding started in childhood, especially when they had a parent/caregiver that did not allow them to have things or took things away without their knowledge or consent.

[@kristinebeatty1576]

Thanks so much...I really needed to hear this...you have released me from the awful guilt that has plagued me from not being able to utilize all of the toys that they have...so many are now on their way out the door...🙌 yay us!

[@homegrownhealinghomestead2897]

Yes!! Hallelujah shout it form the rooftops momma!!! You are SPOT ON!!!!! You can’t see the benefits til you try it and I stand her today saying YOU CHANGED OUR LIfE thank you!! Your support especially with getting rid of gifts from family gave me the confidence I needed and my husband is in complete agreement.

[@Boonytown]

Dawn, you are so encouraging! I don't have kids, but this makes me feel more confident about having them and maintaining my current minimal lifestyle. You're just the best!

[@ms.s.4710]

Marriage and Motherhood, Gia, recommended your channel. I'm sooo glad she did. I've been watching, and after many attempts to simplify toys over the years, I went at it with a new perspective. Instead of saying I'm getting rid of "x" amount of toys, I asked what is played with the most?... That made the decision part so easy! When I was done about half the toys were in a very large box. It's staying in the garage for 30 days. After that it's getting donated. My 6 yo started playing so well, that very evening. It has continued, drawing, painting, building, playing and not getting overwhelmed. Toy clean up isn't a fight or this stressful burden I dread. There aren't toys covering every room and surface all over the house. I was so afraid these toys would be so missed. Also I was partially allowing my emotions and attachment with certain sentimental toys to affect me. I find that I struggle with getting rid of my kids "special" things more than anything! Even my husband commented on how well our 6 year old is playing.

[@heatherabner]

Yes!! Also found Dawn through Jia!!

[@DebbyeCannon]

Our military housing was small. To keep toys controllable we divided toys into four sets Ed was also inciuded with small baskets such as blocks,farm, cars, dolls. A book or two excluded with each theme. Children”checked out” a basket until the waned to rerun it fir a different set of toys.

[@greenserene2676]

So glad Jia has recommended all of you to this channel. I would have so much love for Jia when she was struggling through her decluttering process wishing I could help her out. Let's all be thankful for Dawn so much as her content makes daunting tasks managable.

[@sonohrina2012]

As a kid my 3 brothers and I had almost a garage full of toys and I absolutely hated it I always told my mom throw them away when she would threaten if I don’t pickup. It gave me anxiety to have so much to pickup and always having to search so much for what I wanted I needed up getting distracted and forgetting about what I was looking for. I used to have way more fun being creative without toys when I would go over to my aunts house for the summer and I would learn so much more

[@MendelIrene]

You are absolutely right in every word!!!!!!!!! I think the same way, working on getting rid of a lot of the toys and definitely not going to buy more. It’s a waste of money 💰 and our kids better of without toys , tv and video games!!!!!! Thank you for your great Chanel, love watching your videos

[@rebeccaoprea9917]

Yes kids can be understimulated as well as overstimulated with toys and stuff . And in the end kids don’t want toys , they want us . We get them toys thinking they’ll be happy and keep busy. But when they’re not ,we make them out to be ungrateful. Maybe we are buying into those lies as well .

[@larissaorjuela9743]

Rebecca Oprea wow so well said, lightbulb moment.

[@intentionallymade]

I totally agree!

[@Esyllt21]

AMEN. This!

[@silvergirl2847]

Your so very right.especially if you didn't have much yourself as a child.

[@lifestylehomestead]

SUCH a great point!

[@jessicakoppers1121]

As a Kindergarten teacher I love your toy videos because I feel like we try to fill the space in the classroom with all these toys but the reality is kids enjoy the simple toys and centres the most like playdough, blocks, craft materials and if we just let them get bored they truly find a way to play and soon get more creative over the school year :)

[@terramoon2313]

Love this video, I see so many kids in front of a screen and not playing at all or being creative. Even at a retail store I work at, kids have their parents phones or games in front of them and never look up. My kids are grown now but they loved playing in boxes, and dirt, using legos or building things. I would rather give books or experiences then toys.

[@alexandracretu4728]

I love how you always say "you're not alone"

[@lisagavin3402]

Awesome video Dawn! I truly believe kids have too much these days and can't think for themselves. We need to get back to basics and simplify things. Things are too overwhelming these days. I was a single mom and my daughter is now 30 and I see the difference in people her age that are so immature and have no respect for anything. She takes care of everything even if it's used or old. The others her age just say they can replace things because they had so much.

[@kimberleybenschop4785]

While less toys benefit the creativity etc of kids, one bonus thing you get with less toys, is a less stressful mom. I simplified, and minimalised their toys and because I have now no stress of picking up after them, we (yes me included) enjoy playtime more and I sometimes even join in taking out all the toys to build a fort with the boxes the toys are in.

[@FarmhouseTeas]

Love the info! It's especially true wiyh children with Asperger's/Autism. We have also found the same after parting with our TV and most screen time.

[@dianaott2662]

This makes sense. Interesting way of looking at it. I like it! Thank you for sharing! I am weeding out more toys.

[@Sarah_Eva]

Yes! I always give space for creativity. When they were little, I would bring paper and crayons to restaurants, or even a puzzle... And now at 10 and 12 years of age, boxes and tape are still their favorite things!

[@greenfig2434]

Such a good video! Agree agree agree!! I’ve paired down our toys multiple times over the years. We don’t have as many as we used to but even still there are toys they haven’t touched in months and I cant seem to get anything done without fighting going on between the kids, over a toy usually.

[@amandawhite6086]

I love your videos. I so appreciate your perspective and the way you present things in such a loving way. I never feel inadequate but encouraged and like I can do it! We've been reducing our kids toys for so long now. I still want to simplify more! Its amazing how quickly the ugh accumulate. Our oldest isn't even 5 yet!

[@allisonv5235]

Thank you for sharing. Toys can be so hard, but this was very encouraging.

[@beckyunderwood4220]

When I was growing up my family spent eight months in Europe. We had very few toys although we were a bit older, no devices or television. We drew, read books as a family, visited parks, played music, and more. It was a wonderful time for our family!

[@afrarunduml1170]

Over a year ago I watched your videos. Some things I integrated in our live and it worked well. But sometimes I don't want to listen... For maybe the big toys I want my children to have. A wooden fort or a dollhouse. My children loved it! For 2 times in a year... So me again, frustrated to organize all the things in our house... busy to shovel them from right to left and upstairs and downstairs... To minimal everything in my live I decided to 'unclutter' my subscriptions a while ago. To unsubscribe you was a poor idea. So here I'm back and watching your videos again. Thank you! You are really inspiring! Greetings from Germany

[@conniesoares157]

When my kids were little we did the swapping of toys every few months so we didn’t have to buy more but they felt like they had new toys. Love seeing how your kids get along so well!

[@Esyllt21]

What a great idea

[@allisonfc8373]

Thank you, Dawn. You're always so motivating and encouraging. I have seen some benefits of my toy decluttering, but we aren't all the way there yet. I need to hit the stuffed animals HARD and my 6yo just gave me permission to pack up the Barbie dolls. That's a major shift for her so just gotta take the time to do it!

[@suzygutierrez2445]

I recently have applied this to our home with 2 boys ages 3 and 6, and wow what a difference! I knew I wanted to "clean out" their toys but after simplifying them and keeping these buildable toys they keep busy a lot longer. Play better together and there is less in our home. Thank you so much Dawn! Love from the Bay Area!

[@courtneycain5997]

I have been binge watching all of your videos this week..and WOW!! I’m getting ready to move across country and I’m so excited because this gives me the perfect opportunity to look at everything in my house twice and really decide if I use it or not.

[@padmajathangavel2246]

Thank you so much for sharing this! Didn't think in this way before!

[@jamiewagner7066]

I found your channel a couple of weeks ago, and you've really inspired me to start paring down our belongings. I thought I already had just what we needed, but I filled 2 boxes and a bunch of reusable bags with stuff to give away (plus our outside garbage can and recycling!). I've pared down a lot of the kids' toys as well, and it's been really amazing to see how much better they play and keep themselves occupied. It's like with so many toys they didn't know what they actually had, but now they can see their few favorites and feel more able to play freely, if that makes sense. So, thank you for your encouragement in this process. It's been amazing so far!

[@valhinkle6500]

This was very very eye opening. Thank you so much!! Just emptied a cocoa rice cereal box this morning and I'm fixing to go get it out of the recycling bin and see what my little guy will do . Thanks A BUNCH for this info and perspective!!!

[@doreentrusty1538]

I appreciate your actual experience. Studies ...... You can find any solution you want with a study but your experience is REAL

[@bannergirl1]

Experience IS real but factual evidence from a reputable study backs up what we FEEL to be true.

[@aliciafrazee8469]

Thank you for sharing the studies! I've noticed for a while that toys aren't what they seem, but I've had a hard time convincing the other adults around me who buy things for my kids. It's so interesting. When my kids come to me saying they're bored, I point out what they have. I tell them they have toys in their rooms, a lego table, books, a backyard to play and explore in and there is always something to clean or organize. They never choose toys.

[@cookiecuttercottage3088]

I'm so glad I found your channel! Thank you Dawn! ❤

[@rebeccamooney4187]

We are beginning to enjoy these benefits more & more as we purge! Our son just turned 4 and we got him a couple of board games. Family got legos, and I tried to encourage just 1 gift, not multiples. It's a process, but so worth it! Your videos have helped so much and I have been sharing them with friends, thank you so much!! I also love Sundays with you & Dawn 💜

[@aimtok]

You've allowed your kids to develop a life skill to be self-motivated and creative to use what they have! 👍

[@lb9549]

Great video as usual. Our boys also love being outside, even if they didn't we would insist on it :) I've decluttered alot (we do have a playroom but its quick to clean up and they play with everything they have.) I could go farther but also want to respect them on the journey. I also feel so sad seeing parents automatically shove a screen in front of a child if they have to wait for something. (Not saying we've *never* done it but I think part of parenting is teaching kids we sometimes have to just sit and wait! Talk to each other or read. We don't need a screen.)

[@wendytedford510]

Tape, tape and more tape! When I was asked for Birthday gift ideas for our 4 year old grandson, I said, 'TAPE!'

[@TheDriftwoodlover]

😂😂😂😂

[@bluesouthpaw6326]

This is so funny because MY 4 yr old loves tape. She's gone through 6 roles just in last month! Always making something.

[@allisonatteberry586]

My 4-year-old goes through tape like crazy too!

[@amandascheerbaum5883]

Mine too! My 4yo daughter likes packing, masking, scotch...heck, any kind of tape!

[@MitchyLou1]

This has given me lots to think about, thank you. You're totally right. My daughter plays much better with the recycling making doll beds and play scenes etc than with any of the bought accessories.. off to watch your other videos now to work out how to go about getting her onboard! Thank you x

[@sueellendubbert478]

Love! Sharing your videos with my "Simplicity Parenting" book group.

[@MichelleL83]

Great video! One I needed, for sure. I've struggled with which toys to keep and which to get rid of because our son has several open ended toys that are great. But all of it is too much. And, my 12 year old daughter told me yesterday that her iPod touch is an escape mechanism for her when she's upset. So, Dawn, the research you shared hit me hard and scared me a little. Enough to instill firm boundaries. But, I really don't know healthy ways for her, or our other kids, to process those u pop setting emotions (not getting your way, negative consequences, feeling sad or anxious). She's an introvert and really doesn't share much. (Probably some deep parenting issues there). Great info, Dawn. I love all your videos and your family is so sweet.

[@katebensonite]

YES! I've found all of this to be true. Must haves are really very limited to things like Legos, pillows, blankets, tape, and books. Beyond that, I think there's very little we need to keep. Now to convince my kids to get rid of more...

[@Scottishgirl754]

Just recently found your channel via Josh Becker and the minimalists. Really enjoying your videos and agree since decluttering my 4 year old plays so much better. Shes currently cutting and sticking straws and gluing

[@clairekell1507]

Just watched this video and really just beginning the process with buying toys back off our 2 children aged 9 and 7. I'm worried its too late! The eldest is mostly bothered about screen time and gaming. The youngest is messy and doesn't want to give up a thing! Happy to receive any advice!

[@sgia2154]

What a great video Dawn! My youngest is 11 and I wish I would have engaged him in more creative play but I know it's not too late so I'm going to try and get him engaged in more wonderful ideas like these!! Thank you!!

[@debbydoodler33]

Boy, I sensed a lot of these truths about too many toys in my gut (and maybe Montessori things I'd read) but your summary of study findings makes me definitely want to take the plunge and not feel bad about the fact that my kids have received so many toys as gifts. Going to box up a whole bunch and just see what happens. I actually gave away a whole bunch recently that they never played with, but I think I need to downsize further. And I only have 2 kids, 3 and 1! I'm finding right now the boys are occupied most with climbing and jumping on/off any structures they can find, and they enjoy climbing in and out of small spaces.

[@staceybowers9143]

I just love what you’re doing here. You’re so encouraging and inspiring. We’re slowly simplifying our household and our lives and your videos are so helpful.

[@VJWLPN1]

I feel that some toys and some crafts are a good balance! Love your videos!

[@carolmiller6713]

Amen to all of that! Kids nowadays are over-stimulated and don't know how to entertain themselves. Bravo for you! I hope others with young children listen and at least try doing the things you have suggested.

[@kayhahn5551]

This came at such a great time for me. I need to get my daughter to watch this because she is always complaining about all the toys her kids have and that they don't play with them. I was just talking to her today about getting more creative type toys, ones that they can learn from. I remember not having a lot of toys and me and my girlfriends would go out and make mud pies and add leaves and flowers to them and then try to get the boys to eat them! Great video! Thanks!

[@rebeccadale2322]

I have so much gratitude for you and the gentle way you are sharing the message that we don’t have to carry the burden of too much stuff. The end of this video really resonated when you talked about feeling misunderstood. I’m in the messy middle right now, simplifying more seriously for about two months and I see a big difference in my closet, bedroom, workspace and kitchen. I’m struggling with explaining the whys to the rest of the family though. My children (9, 11 and 14)seem to think I’m making these changes to make their lives harder and don’t see the increased peace (and how tired and burned out I am). I’d love to see more videos showing why decreasing inventory makes life simpler, almost from a math or engineering standpoint that I could share with my family. For example, why does having fewer dishes make it easier to keep the kitchen clean? Why does fewer clothes make it easier to keep up on laundry? Why does having fewer towels decrease the number of wet towels on the bathroom floor, in the laundry, dropped on the kitchen floor, etc? One piece that seems to be key is that our use of items is not a constant. If we have 30 glasses, our use of glasses expands to fit the supply. I’m also starting to notice that I take better care of things when I have fewer things. I’m more likely to care and repair things we own when I’m not overwhelmed by clutter. I put away about half of our dishes on a high shelf as we only need them when we have company over. My 14 year old was really angry and he climbed to get a clean bowl rather than wash one of the 8 that had already been used that day. Please keep up what you are doing. Id love to see more content on explaining the whys to reluctant or skeptical household members. Thank you!

[@staceydaniels9802]

This is so true! My son is constantly using tape, bottles, boxes, and paper. We can’t seem to keep the supplies in the house. Thank you for this video, I feel much more confident in purging a lot of the unused toys

[@cv7357]

LOVE this message!!! You did a great job explaining!

[@faithkoch4526]

I sooooooo agree with you! I used to buy every kind of fun toy for my grandkids when they would come to visit. Most of their time was spent arguing about who got to play with what first. And, rarely were the toys ever played with or enjoyed. They became items for me to store when the kids left. I was constantly searching for the perfect toys so they would be entertained while visiting. Then one day a I ran across a KZbin channel where a mom and daughter were making Barbie houses and furniture out of recycled cardboard boxes. They were amazing. Well, to make a long story short, I started saving all of my cardboard. Now every time my kiddos come over, they’re creating new furniture, houses, shops, etc. they have soooooooo much fun❤️❤️❤️

[@JG-fx1xm]

Hi Dawn, you have been such an inspiration to me since I discovered your channel a few weeks ago. I would like to share a few lessons about toys that I have learned over the years in the hope of helping others not make the same mistakes. 1) Accepted lots of hand me down toys. Before my first child was born, my sister, whose children are a few years older, gave me a few large boxes of toys. I accepted thinking we would save money buying toys down the road but I cannot think of a single one of those toys my kids really played with while they cluttered my house for years! 2) Bought toys my children didn’t ask for because I THOUGHT they would like them or because I wished I had them as a kid. Ex. Barbie dollhouse, pedal go kart 3) Followed trends. By 2nd grade, all of my daughter’s friends had American Girl dolls. Although she had never played with dolls, my daughter asked for one for Christmas and it never was played with…we sold it on Ebay the next year. In hindsight, this should have sparked a conversation about how you don’t have to have something everyone else does and how it is important to think for yourself. 4) Didn’t spend my money and that of others wisely. Each Christmas and birthday, both my parents and my husband’s parents would spend a certain dollar amount on each kid. If we didn’t have a gift idea for each parent, we’d either get on Amazon or go to the toy store to find something so that we could spend the “budget”. Not only was this wasteful with money, the kids rarely played with those items because back to #2, they had not asked for them in the first place! Sadly, this was back before the “experiences over possessions” movement. Looking back, my kids would have been just fine with very few toys. Legos for my son and animal toys for my daughter. One of our fondest memories was when they made Clifford’s dog house out of a large box! Now with my kids aged 17 and 19, my advice is the same as yours…kids do not need many toys and they really do play better and behave better with fewer possessions!

[@denisecarter5117]

Gage is so cute putting the tape on his project.

[@NikkiSchumacherOfficial]

Great research! We have about the same amount of toys and I have bought none of them! I fear in the next year or so I won't be able to simplify as relatives keep buying. 😮 Family is so amazing tho and I love them so much. They just have a different view on toys.

[@jamesnbrenda8960]

I agree with the study and your thoughts. I do wish I had known better when my kids were young. They are grown now (and that is okay), but I share what I have learned with friends and family. Y’all are wonderful!!

[@j.h.6633]

I am an information and research junkie and you have totally given me a research study “high”! Thank you for sharing this! It confirms the anxiety surrounding toys is based on our intuition that having too many toys can be unhealthy and stifling positive traits in our kids. My son also is a tape m, cardboard and string engineer. THANK YOU!

[@luthergirl106]

Thank you for another great video!!! We appreciate the reassurance of the studies you shared! I know from reading the Little House In the Big Woods book, that Mary and Laura had one doll each and cherished them and took good care of them. We have wonderful grandparents that want to give our children the world, we try to encourage experiences as gifts, but when extra toys show up, they eventually get put into “storage” (donated) as soon as the girls are done playing with it. Our oldest is 13 and is totally on board with a simple lifestyle. You have been our teacher , encourager, rock and cheerleader. 💕 please keep up the great videos

[@nicolehill1115]

We just started reading the little house on the prairie books! Kids are 7, 5, and 2

[@adriennew2088]

Great video! I have been wanting to minimize toys, but have been feeling guilty . this is a great way to look at it!

[@laurahanson5179]

Ah!!! This is the best! I love that we have research now to back what our maternal instincts have been suggesting all these years. I’ve had a very similar experience with my own kids- they love crafting and creating. I have 4 kids and the two who have done the most creating I feel are most confident, decisive, and self assured. Over the years, I would always get the same compliments while we were out in public with how well behaved they all were. Although still years away, I definitely want to remember this down the road when I become a grandparent. 😊 (and not overwhelm my grandkids with toys 🧸 and stuff.)

[@caldrm1]

Dawn, you are just so Awsome! I just love watching you and your family. My kids never had alot of toys growing up. I remember their favorite toy being the fold up veggie steamer, aka flying saucer!

[@kathyschieb6686]

Oh this is such a great video. Our son is grown but I feel like this relates to anyone. I have been simplifying “my toys” (hobby supplies) and I feel soooo much less overwhelmed. I was actually trying to make a schedule to fit them in. One day sewing, one day photography, etc. so I picked my top 3 and got rid of most of the stuff related to the other hobbies. I can always buy things if I need them . My brain is much less cluttered as well. Do have hobbies Dawn? How do you handle those things if you do? Oh and then I donated them to this local art place where they do tons of events/projects for kids. They were so happy to get all the paints and such. That’s another great benefit to simplifying. Thank you again for sharing.

[@anaahacevcic2748]

For me it's just sooo hard, because from the beginning (we have 3 kids: newborn, 2 and 5y) we were focusing on the 'good toys'- wooden, no electric, creative toys... But stillwe have too many and at the end kids fight for that one car. :)

[@stacyhigginson170]

I know it's kind of "against the rules" but try boxing things up when the kids aren't home or are occupied and not paying attention to what you're doing. Don't tell them what you did or what you got rid of. If they specifically ask for a certain item then take it out of the box (don't let them know there is a "box" or they will tear through it! Lol) and give it to them. After a month whatever they haven't asked for can leave your house!

[@bannergirl1]

Fighting drives us crazy but it needn't be a bad thing. Kids, like adults, have to work things out. It gives them the opportunity to learn that skill.

[@MRS.TC2004]

Wow I just told my kids today I think we are going to pack up all our toys. And then see if we miss the toys after a few weeks? Now I get on KZbin tonight and this video pops up! Couldn't have come at a better time. Now I feel like I really have to do it! It may be hard but with four kids of my own I need a break from toys. And as you said research shows the kids need a break too!😊

[@kateankumah-saikoom5714]

I love your channel! I know this is an old video but I just found you so still trying to catch up on everything! Question for you - do you have any videos or good tips on helping kids part with their creations? I feel like that’s a huge struggle for us!

[@kimberlypesotski47]

This is a great video. Thank you for the inspiration & God bless you

[@lesteewhizmd]

LOVE YOUR TOY SERIES! I may or may not rewatch them regularly to embolden me. Hubby thinks I am destroying their lives but probably because he likes their toys more than they do. I thought he hadn't noticed my sneaky simplifying but asked me last night why our 1yo doesn't have any toys :P

[@Sandyyyyyyyyyy]

Just wanted to mention this didn’t show up in my subscription feed, I found it on the home page.

[@0570dev]

Same here. Luckily I always know when Dawn uploads so I search for the video. Dawn I loved this video. I think you are so so right about having few toys around. I find it tough sometimes to see all the useless plastic toys in the store. Knowing kids don't need them really and knowing the stuff will fill the landfill sooner rather than later. How do you deal with these thoughts and emotions?

[@artsaves]

Does it to me every video even though my settings are correct! KZbin needs to fix this!

[@kk2e856]

Same here

[@caitlinrl630]

Me too! I know I am subscribed but I never get notifications for this channel. ❤️

[@Caseyd1966]

Me too!

[@jillhunsaker527]

Dawn, I LOVE this! You are truly inspired! I started my simplifying journey in October 2019. The toys are something I have put off because I wasn’t sure how far to take it. This video had me reviewing in my mind what my kids do on a daily basis. I realized they always go for the art closet first! Paper, scissors, cardboard, and tape will keep them happy for hours! They rarely pull the toys out because they hate cleaning them back up. When friends or cousins come over it is inevitable that the whole toy room gets torn apart and they HATE cleaning up when the other kids go home! Many toys will be leaving my home in the next few days! THANK YOU for giving me the courage and the science behind why this has been such an exhausting process! I am so grateful for your help and virtual friendship!

[@bargainswithjoy]

My 7yo LOVES to make things with boxes. We have so many boxes. My kids also read so we have too many books. I definitely going to go through our game closet this weekend. Thanks for the Inspiration

[@meaganramer1556]

We are about to make a move across the country and this video is very encouraging to me seeing as I’m very overwhelmed with having to pack everything I took out of boxes back in March of this year. 😑

[@keriurchek4986]

So encouraging!!! I have a little one that is almost 6 months old and I want to make sure he has very few toys. My husband gave him a clean empty egg crate the other day and he LOVED it. 😂

[@alexcarrn28]

You talked about people stopping by your table and telling you that your children are so well behaved , I hope you take that to heart and understand that that is an amazing thing these days. People raise their children differently now. It is a great compliment when people say that your children are so well behaved. I myself do not appreciate being in a restaurant where there are so many misbehaving children. Because they're raised with so much and wanting so much more. Children that constantly have a cell phone or a electronic device in their hands are not as fun. And when that electronic device is taken away from them the fuss they make. But then I raised my children quite a long time ago and things were very different then. I just hope that you can appreciate the compliment. God bless you all.

[@teriw56]

Dawn, your giggle is precious.

[@estherlindstrom7721]

Great video and information! Also I love the background setting! So beautiful and calming!

[@carolyneastman6095]

Your kids are so precious....such a beautiful family....

[@amydeterman1678]

Great video! I'm decluttering toys this weekend, and I'm watching videos for inspiration. My five year old would be happy with tape and cardboard, too. How's latest favorite is yarn though. He builds "Charlotte's Web" all over his bedroom with it.

[@KaHo2211]

I'm 69 years old and grew up with very few toys. I later became a school teacher and found that my students lacked creativity. One of the assignments I gave my fourth-grade class each year was that they had to sort through a big box of recyclables I'd collected and create their own game, complete with the rules and a name for their game, which they had to write out. (The lesson goal was to learn to write step-by-step directions.) I gave my students 15 minutes of time in class each day to complete the assignment, and they soon learned the trick of creativity. On Friday of that week, the students stood before the class and shared their game and its name and the rules. They then had a chance to play one another's games during recess time. We also had lots of other similar activities, such as a fraction cook-off in which a recipe they used had to contain at least one fraction and had to be made on their own at home and brought to class where it was shared with others, a plant party in which students ate all kinds of plants (first response, "EWW! Plants! But wait! Strawberries are plants, bananas are plants, popcorn is a plant," etc.), a fall history old fashioned day based on researching and making crafts that had been used in the past where they lived, and so forth. I tried to make sure the children were actively involved in the learning process, and I had fun as a teacher helping them learn skills they never knew they had. Oh, and by the way, I'm retired, and I don't know the meaning of the word "bored", even today!

[@livinglifebarefoot]

Oh I have such a LOOOONG way to go to simplifying! We just started our minimalist approach, but we've been talking about it for YEARS with our kids toys. Of all the toys they play with dolls and wood blocks, or color and craft as it is. But then every once in awhile they pick up and play with a toy they hadn't and I feel like I have to keep it.

[@Montessori_Motherhood]

Great video. I definitely am the reason my kids have to many toys. I over buy and then it got it be to much. I’m going this route now. To save money, to inspire my kids, and to declutter. I know clutter stresses the kids out just as much as it does me. I’m also going it with fishes abs everything else in the house

[@teachinglittlesathome]

This video is so inspiring to me! I’ve been at a loss with the overwhelming amount of toys we have for our twin 2 year olds with another little one on the way. We’re currently storing all of their toys in our closet, which has actually taken over our entire room. We just cannot manage it all, and I’m rarely able to pull the bins out to rotate toys like I originally planned. I’m excited now to purge more of their toys, especially the big items. Thank you!