How to Organize Toys For Your Children

When you have a large family, you have to organize almost everything. One important thing to organize is the toys your children play with. Not only should you organize them, but you need to teach the children to keep them that way. This is just one way a large family organizes their children's toys.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Containers or crates
• A safe place for the children to play
• Outlet covers and child safety devices
• Safe toys for the children to play with
• Shelves
• Organization

1. When purchasing the toys, make sure they are safe. Choose toys that are not too small if you have young children. Make sure your purchase includes educational toys.

2. Choose an area in your home that is not only safe, but make sure there is room enough to give them an ample amount of space to play in. It would be better to have a separate room as a playroom, but if you do not have enough rooms, choose the space wisely.

3. If you are unable to purchase containers, use crates or boxes. You can paint the boxes different colors or cover them with contact paper. Just make sure the paint and contact paper is lead-free.

4. Sort out the toys according to their type.

5. Put all the different size balls together.

6. Place all learning games together, if possible. This includes computer-like toys that require a battery.

7. Put big cars and trucks together. Place the smaller cars in a separate container. Make sure all play cars are safe. Small wheels and parts can find their way into a toddler's mouth in no time.

8. If you have a shelf or you can make one, it is best to keep all books on a shelf. It will help teach the little ones to take better care of them.

9. Make a list of each book and if you really want to be organized, teach them to check them out just like they would if it were a library. You can use index cards to write the names of the books on and when they check them out. It makes them feel more grown-up, as well.

10. Place action figures in one crate or box. If you can, make the box or crates like a tower or place where they can pretend their action figures live.

11. If they are old enough for small glamor dolls, place them all in one area or box. Keep everything organized by having a place for everything and everything in it's place, such as clothes, shoes, and accessories.

12. Make a cute little bed or beds for their baby dolls. The more intriguing you make each toy area, the more the child will use their imagination.

13. Riding toys should have their own parking area. You can even make it more interesting by making it look like a parking space or if you have the room, make a road on the floor. You can use remnants of carpet to form the road.

14. All big toys, like chalkboards, feltboards, or magnetic boards should be placed where the child can use them without bumping elbows. It is best to keep small magnetic letters in a container and teach them to take care of them. Never let small letters fall into the hands of younger children unless you are supervising them and using them to teach them.

15. Have a table and chairs set available if you can. Teach them to sit at the table to read. It helps them learn how to respect a library and take care of their books.

16. Tables and chairs can also be good for their imagination. They can play house or have a picnic. You can also have little tea parties.

17. If you have toys that have to be put together each time they are used, it is best to keep them on a shelf. Make sure you supervise when they are put together.

18. Teach the children to put their own toys away. Never clean up everything yourself, but do try to supervise. It is okay to help them, but the more they clean up for themselves, the more responsible they will be. It also teaches them where everything goes.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to use bright colors.
• Make sure all toys are safe.
• Make sure the play area is safe and outlets are covered.
• Purchase toys that will last and most benefit your child.
• Make sure the child has a variety to keep his/her interest.
• Always try to keep toys clean and sanitary.
• NEVER leave a child unattended.
• DO NOT purchase toys that are unsafe.
• NEVER pick up all the toys for a child.
• Do NOT buy junky toys that have no value to the child.
• Always check the toys periodically to make sure nothing is broken.
• Never just pile toys up, try to teach the child to be organized.

[bemily]

on 8/25/2009 As a mom of six I can relate. Great Article! I wrote an article called "How to Keep a Large Family's Home Organized", regarding chores. I'd love your feedback. It goes nicely with your specific article about toys.