Parenting Strategies for the Holidays: Get One, Give One

As the mom of a preschooler, I can identify with any parent that complains about toy clutter. The worst type of toy clutter I’ve ever experienced is that of the toys that are no longer played with. This is where the “Get one, give one” rule comes into play.

If your young(er) child has toys they’ve outgrown, or just don’t play with anymore, allow them to pick them out of their collection, figure out if someone else can get some enjoyment out of them, and donate them to a worthy cause. If they’re beyond all hope, find a way to compassionately discharge them from your household (if there’s a way to avoid landfills, take it).

If you have an older child who has either outgrown a toy or just wants a newer model, why not teach them something about money while they make room for something they really want? Teach them about EBay: how to create a listing, how to figure out a fair price, and show them the entire process of selling an item. Not only are they learning about money, but they’re also avoiding the whole packrat habit. If they’re open to the idea, give them the option of choosing a charity or cause and donate the sales of their unused toys to that selection, or have them save the money for something special.

The biggest part of the “get one, give one” rule is that it helps kids avoid holding on to things they no longer use. It helps them learn to weed out unnecessary “stuff” and allows you to hold on to some well-deserved sanity.

Posted on 11 Dec 2007 by Tina V.