While the Little Man was in ABA (therapy) today, I caught up with a friend of mine for brunch...
She has been having an issue consuming her for some time now. There is never any space in her house - with her husband they have 3 children and they hardly ever see the floor in the loungeroom, the place is so crowded. They are even talking about extending out back - they need the space.
I have been to her place and I already know what the answer is:
"...it's not about yourself, it's about the kids and all their toys. They've taken over the house. You need to get them to cull the amount of active toys that they have sitting out. Play with one toy at a time and put it away before the next comes out. All toys live in their bedrooms."
She looked stressed, but knew I was right. There has been a TV show called "The Living Room", where one of the presenters shows how to minimize in the children's area of the house by giving them one large plastic container they are allowed to fill. Everything else goes - to the salvos, or given away or to the bin (depending on what it is). I described this to her and she agreed to harden up - the time has come!!
I came home and, as I look around, I realize I am the pot calling the kettle black. Our Lounge room is a pizza of the Little Man's toys. I put them away each night, but they always come back out. Just like moss on the pavement, they are taking over this place and are harder and harder to clear away.
As Connor shows you - the house is rather inundated with unnecessary playtime paraphernalia. Perhaps it is also time for a cull of what's not needed here as well?? We shall see...
In the meantime, at least we're not short of mindless entertainment :)