Why you should declutter toys in the summer and how does that help you, as a busy mom?
As a biz owner, productivity coach, organising ninja, and Montessorian, I know just how demanding life can be when you’re building your own business while taking care of your precious little ones. But fear not, because I’ve got a fantastic solution that will not only declutter your home but also make the most of this summer break!
In this post, I’m thrilled to share my top-notch tips that combine the principles of Montessori education with my expertise in organisation. We’re going to embark on an exciting challenge that involves your kids and their beloved toys. Trust me; it’s going to be a game-changer for your family dynamics and your entrepreneurial journey.
Picture this: your little adventurers enthusiastically diving into their toy collection, exploring, playing, and learning along the way. Not only will they rediscover their favourite toys, but they’ll also make thoughtful decisions about what to keep, what to recycle, and what to give away. Oh, and did I mention it’s going to be a ton of fun? 🎉
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and create a haven of productivity, creativity, and joy right at home! Because the less junk and crap lying around in your home, the less cleaning up and nagging to put away you have to do!
Get ready to witness your kids flourish, your business thrive, and your home becomes an organized oasis. Follow me through these actionable steps, and together, we’ll make this summer break the most rewarding one yet!
Set the Stage for Summer Fun and Toy Declutter
Let’s kick off this summer break challenge with a bang! Setting the stage for summer fun is all about igniting your kids’ curiosity and enthusiasm. As a Montessorian and organisation ninja, I know that when kids are excited, they’re unstoppable learners.
If you come at this with an excited vibe, the kids will pick up on it! And you are giving them permission to play with all of their toys – maybe not all at once! Let’s not go too crazy!
To begin this adventure, involve your little ones from the start. Gather them around and explain the special mission we’re embarking on together. You can turn it into an exciting game by creating a magical atmosphere. Use your imagination and sprinkle some stardust of creativity as you present this joyful task. Give your declutter toys challenge a personalized or fun name that your kids will relate to.
Designate a toy decluttering play area, preferably one that embraces the Montessori principles of freedom and accessibility. Let all the toys come together in this magical space, beckoning your kids to dive into a world of play and discovery.
Remember, your role as the guiding star is crucial here. Encourage their exploration, ask open-ended questions, and let them take the lead. Witness the joy in their eyes as they rediscover long-lost treasures and venture into new imaginative realms.
So, let’s put on our adventure hats and embark on this exciting journey of summer fun! Your kids are waiting to explore, learn, and make amazing choices about their toys. Ready? Let’s set the stage for an unforgettable summer full of laughter, learning, and cherished memories!
And as they play, you can sneak in some work!
Play and Sort: Keep, Recycle, Donate
Now that we’ve set the stage for a summer of wonder, it’s time to dive into the heart of our challenge: play and sort! This step is where the magic happens, as your little explorers take charge of their toy kingdom.
Encourage your kids to immerse themselves in play, either individually or as a family. As a seasoned Montessorian, I know that hands-on exploration sparks creativity and curiosity. Watch as they engage with each toy, discovering its unique allure and value.
Here’s where you empower the kids! Prompt your children to decide which toys they want to keep, recycle, or donate. This not only empowers them but also teaches them the art of decision-making and the joy of sharing.
Celebrate their choices, whether they decide to hold on to cherished favourites or generously pass on toys they’ve outgrown. Together, you’re nurturing a sense of responsibility towards their belongings and the broader community.
It’s essential to be there as a compassionate guide, appreciating their efforts and providing gentle guidance when needed. Your support will make this journey of exploration and decision-making a treasured experience.
Let’s encourage their imagination and curiosity to flourish! Play and sort with delight, and witness the beauty of your children embracing this process of discovering what truly matters to them. Ready to create a world of thoughtful choices? Teach them to put their toys into 3 piles: keep, recycle, and donate!
The easiest way to do that is to have to recycle and donate boxes at the ready for the kids to put their toys in.
Create Organised Storage Solutions and Embrace Toy Rotation
As we continue our journey towards an organized and joyful space, let’s dive into step three: creating organised storage solutions and embracing the concept of toy rotation. These strategies are absolute game-changers, especially if you’re navigating the challenges of limited space in your cosy home.
To begin, let’s talk storage! As a pro in organising, I understand the importance of having a designated place for every toy. Invest in practical storage solutions that suit your unique needs and your child’s age. Clear containers or labelled boxes work wonders in helping your kids identify and access their toys with ease.
When everything has a home, tidying up becomes a breeze, and your little ones can independently find what they’re looking for, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Now, let’s tackle the concept of toy rotation. This is a brilliant strategy, especially if you’re living in a smaller apartment or space. Rotate toys by storing some away and bringing out others at regular intervals. It’s like giving your children a surprise gift every time you rotate!
Not only does toy rotation reduce clutter, but it also keeps playtime fresh, exciting, and engaging. Your kids will eagerly anticipate the return of stored toys, sparking renewed interest and creativity.
From living in a tiny apartment, I’ve seen the wonders of toy rotation in action. It not only maximizes the use of space but also allows your children to fully appreciate and enjoy all their toys, fostering a deep connection with each one.
So, revel in the art of organisation and embrace the concept of toy rotation. As a family create a clutter-free, harmonious space where playtime becomes an enchanting adventure, even in the cosiest of homes!
Host a fun Toy Swap or Donate Day – Spreading Happiness with Giving
Step four brings us to a happy occasion – hosting a fun toy swap or donate day. This is not just about decluttering; it’s an opportunity to spread happiness and teach our little ones the joy of giving.
Let’s start with a cheerful toy swap! Involve your kids in the planning process, making it a special event they eagerly anticipate. Encourage them to invite their friends or other families with children of similar ages.
Create a vibrant atmosphere with decorations, snacks, and fun activities. When the big day arrives, let the kids share stories about their toys, fostering connections and friendships. As they exchange toys, you’ll witness their faces light up with excitement and newfound treasures.
If you take this route, I recommend having some rules in place, you don’t want to be getting rid of your outgrown toys just to end up with someone else’s junk!
Now, for the giving part! Organize a donation day where your children get to choose toys they are ready to part with. Explain the significance of donating to others who may not have as many toys. This teaches empathy and cultivates a sense of compassion in them.
To make it even more special, consider taking them to a charity shop, op shop, shelter or equivalent to personally hand over their donations. This simple act of kindness will leave a lasting impression on their young hearts.
In addition to the toy swap and donation day, you can explore the idea of a yard sale if it’s feasible in your area. Involve your kids in setting up and pricing the toys they want to sell. They’ll learn valuable entrepreneurial skills and, at the same time, contribute to a fun family activity.
With these thoughtful initiatives, we’re nurturing a spirit of giving and gratitude in our children. They’ll discover the joy of sharing, the thrill of new experiences, and the satisfaction of making a difference.
A Heartfelt Ritual of Gratitude – Teaching Kids the Art of Letting Go
I just want to share a lovely ritual that my own son learned during his time at a Shinto kindergarten – a beautiful practice of gratitude when letting go of beloved possessions. This simple yet profound ritual has made a world of difference for my son, especially when parting ways with toys he once cherished.
When it comes to decluttering, we know how challenging it can be for our little ones to bid farewell to their toys. As a productivity and organising ninja, I’ve seen this sentiment many times. But worry not; with this delightful ritual, the process becomes a transformative experience.
Just like my son, who, when he outgrew a soft toy, would hold it gently in his hands, look it in the eye, and say, “Thank you for being my toy and for all the fun we had together.” Then, with a grateful heart, he would place it in the box to give away.
Even with simple items like a pair of socks, he displayed the same sweet gratitude. When one sock had a hole and needed to be discarded, he’d say, “Thank you for being my sock and keeping my foot warm.” Then, with a sense of appreciation, he’d bid farewell.
This ritual of gratitude is a gentle way to teach children that it’s okay to let go of things they’ve cherished while honouring the memories and experiences they’ve shared with those objects.
As moms, we can introduce this practice by being their role models. Encourage your kids to express their thanks for the toys or items they’re donating or discarding. This act of thankfulness not only brings closure but also fosters a sense of mindfulness and respect for the things that have served them well.
Our little ones will learn that letting go can be a positive and transformative experience, filled with love and appreciation for the joy those possessions once brought into their lives.
Wrap Up:
I hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to embark on the journey of organizing your kids’ toys this summer. With the summer break challenge, you can create a harmonious space where joy, learning, and productivity thrive.
Remember, involving your kids in the process and hosting a toy swap or donate day will not only declutter toys from your home but also instil valuable life lessons in your little ones. Let’s teach them the art of decision-making, the joy of sharing, and the beauty of gratitude.
If you’re looking for more support and guidance on organizing your kids, your home, and yourself, I invite you to check out the Wonder Mom Success Club. Join a community of like-minded moms who are on a similar journey, seeking solutions, and celebrating successes together.
Together, we can create spaces that nurture our children’s growth, balance our entrepreneurial endeavours, and make the most of this summer break. Let’s embrace the wonder of motherhood and create memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to a joyful, clutter-free summer filled with love, laughter, and boundless achievements!
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