The final three electronic noise-making and light-flashing toys in our home have been donated to Goodwill. None remain.
Because, last I checked, four children ages six and under are Very Loud all by themselves.
So far, children's musical instruments (true instruments, not electronic doohickeys) have survived the clean-up, but they may not last long. Once I can locate a screwdriver, the next victim on my list is the baby's bouncy seat, which makes blaring electronic noises when the baby moves. I will be "fixing" it.
I hear you Katherine! I was just sitting at the table having breakfast this morning, and Caleb was holding an electronic helicopter that was making all sorts of different sounds. Meanwhile, breakfast was already very loud with four children talking, screeching, anf whinning. I thought to myself, "we really need to do away will all noise making toys like Katherine did." I admire your ability to just give them away. I second guess whether or not I should just do it, because "the kids might really enjoy that toy." But, I think we all will be better off if I did.
ReplyDeleteMari:
ReplyDeleteSure, the kids would enjoy a particular noise-making toy, but there are so many other factors to deciding which toys to allow. As souls, we all would "enjoy" lots of different stuff, but is that thing good for us? Maybe one is good, but are ten good? One hundred? And is it (whatever it is) good in the whole of circumstances in the family?
Around here, even when we've had a few noise-making toys around, there were rules around when they could be used. (1) No toys in the kitchen. No toys at all, not just noise-making toys. Even when my toddlers bring them in, I chuck them into the adjacent den or dining room or bonus room. They learn really fast. (2) Noise-making toys only at my pleasure, so that usually means away from me. I'd shoo them to another room or outside or to the sun room. And no noise-making toys during a time when anyone is sleeping or napping.
Re: manners at the table, I am just now starting to regain control from the table. I have recently realized that I don't have to allow chaos at the table, I don't have to say that is "just how kids are." So if the children are blathering on about cartoons, making weird noises, or nonsense, or potty talk (which was never allowed), I have started telling them that I'm not going to listen to nonsense during our meal time, they need to be quiet if they don't have nice conversation to share, or they will be excused. It sounds really harsh, but it isn't. It can be done in a very civil way.
:D
Another good "fix" to these toys when the gifter would be offended that they were donated is to have them become "outside toys." The problem kind of then solves itself.
ReplyDeleteJessica: But then don't the toys get rained on and ruined by weather? Except for that problem, the idea seems a great one!
ReplyDeleteI think that was Jessicas point. ;-)
DeleteWe also banished noisy police cars and fire engines to the outside. Miraculously they still work. :(
ReplyDeleteI don't do noise making toys either. If one appears we take the batteries out. Thank goodness my younger set of three all love magnetic trains, train set and hot wheels. :-D
ReplyDeleteChristine: Magnetic trains, Hot Wheels, wooden blocks, play kitchen, and doll house are very popular over here.
ReplyDeleteAmen!! Our lonely electronic toy is the Learning Resources cash register. I It's so funny to read this post today because after months of non-use, the four year old has been playing with it all morning! I have no one to blame but myself for this one since I bought one for both him and my niece last Christmas. I just tell myself at least he's learning his math facts, lol.
ReplyDeleteSomehow we have "friends" who (probably for their own sanity) are "kind" enough to pass their own children's noisy toys to us! haha. I remember one such gift we received at a friend's house despite our protestations, and it never made it inside: Dave threw it straight in the dumpster. Giving them to goodwill is quite a lot nicer for your friends, so I thank you on behalf of all some-time recipients. ;)
ReplyDeleteNow to work on the children's mouth noises... then life could be nice and quiet!