She had me at “no more stepping on LEGOS.” When she described a playroom filled with toys that no one really plays with, I felt a little guilty. Then she started saying crazy stuff like one Thomas train is enough and you don’t need a lot of books and I thought, this lady has lost her mind. However, I read her story and she makes sense. I agree with most of what she is pushing, but I don’t think you can have too many books and my son really did need the birthday Thomas.
Smart mom, Denaye Barahona, decided to tell her story about getting rid of too many toys. She believed that the toys were taking over her home and decided to simplify. Instead of just buying toys, she wanted to buy meaningful toys. Her son has art related toys, music related toys, building toys, and the focus is quality over quantity.
Even at the age of 20 months her son learns to clean his space and having a clutter free playroom helps him achieve that. She also has an incredible “one in, one out” toy policy. A new toy comes in, but an old one goes out. How is that for achieving balance?
This mom understands that it isn’t how much stuff a kid has, but how they play, I get that and respect her for making the tough choices, like which Thomas to bring home.
What do you think of this minimal toy policy? Do you think this is something you could do in your home?
