By: Alex Thompson
Updated: Dec. 21, 2016
Originally Published: Dec. 18, 2016
Current findings indicate that I am the custodian of 20 meticulously adorned toilet paper tubes. Each one has been creatively illustrated by my imaginative 5-year-old, and I am expected to treasure them. Each evening, a thorough inventory is conducted to ensure that every tube is accounted for. It is astonishing how parenthood has led me to safeguard glitter-covered toilet paper tubes showcasing hand-drawn faces.
In addition to her beloved tubes, my daughter has transformed our recycling bin into a repository of artistic creations, utilizing materials such as cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, jars, and old newspapers. Recently, she crafted a butterfly from a broken wooden spoon and a deflated Whoopee cushion. Each artistic endeavor is cherished, with the exception of a milk jug filled with crayons that began to emit an unpleasant odor after a few days.
Living in a modest home, the holiday season brings an influx of new toys, clothes, and potential art projects, necessitating a significant decluttering effort. This involves parting with toys and creations that no longer hold value in our lives.
This concept, however, proves to be challenging for certain family members who could benefit from a hoarding intervention. Thus, I resolved to engage my children in the toy disposal process this year. I was uncertain which toys they held dear and hoped they might glean insights about the joy of giving. So, I planned to involve them and later document the experience.
Reflecting on my past decisions, I now wish I could admonish my earlier self. Here is an account of how the Pre-Christmas Toy Disposal Initiative unfolded in our household this year:
- Preparation: I informed my children that we would be parting with some toys. I encouraged them to examine their belongings and consider which items they no longer used. I reminded them how a little girl would rejoice at receiving the playhouse they never touched or the train set that had remained untouched for years.
- Timing: I chose an optimal moment, ensuring they were well-fed and rested. They were prepped for the upcoming toy removal, allowing them to mentally adjust to the impending changes.
- Initiating the Purge: We started with their overflowing toy bin. One by one, I assessed each item: a broken yo-yo went in the trash, unused finger puppets were set aside for donation, and the countless Happy Meal toys were discarded.
- Resistance: Around this point, the children began to express their newfound attachment to every item. They suddenly adored the squished doll, the eerie remote-controlled spider that had endured a bath, and the collection of plastic party favors.
- Distraction: Their initial intent to help quickly shifted to playing with the toys instead.
- Firmness: I had to assert myself, reiterating that these items were unloved and that they wished for their toys to be cherished. We all recognized the narrative from Toy Story and the fate of neglected toys.
- Emotional Reaction: Tears ensued, as my children empathized with the toys they were letting go of. (Why did I have to mention Toy Story?)
- Minimal Acceptance: They reluctantly consented to part with a single broken doll arm and a puzzle missing most of its pieces.
- Stealth Purge: Once they were at school, I seized the opportunity to discreetly gather all the unused items and place them into bags for donation, just as I had done in years past.
- Outcome: The purge was successful, and my children remained blissfully unaware of what they had lost. I am documenting this day so that I won’t forget the process next year.
In attempting to involve my children in the decluttering effort, I should have anticipated the outcome after a decade of experience. Take heed not to follow my lead. Now, I must return my attention to my collection of toilet paper tube creations.
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Summary
The Pre-Christmas Toy Disposal Initiative serves as a humorous account of the challenges faced when decluttering a child’s toy collection. It highlights the emotional attachments children have to their belongings and the necessity of involving them in the process, while also exploring the inevitability of parental intervention.
Keyphrase: Pre-Christmas Toy Disposal
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