Posted by Chris on August 05, 1998 at 20:15:53:
In Reply to: Organizing a Playroom posted by Becky on August 04, 1998 at 21:14:32:
Becky Welcome! I check the site everyday, can't wait for new things to pop up.
When my kids were really little, now 8-17, there were lots of toys, especially with lots of pieces. We used to have a basement too, that was a nightmare. I also had shelves, containers, etc. but if I was out of site for 5 minutes, it was trashed, especially if little friends were over, it seemed like the pick-up rule went out the window. By accident I discovered that using bags with drawstrings that you can tie in a knot really helped. Sounds cruel, but those little ones can't hardly get the knot undone without "mommies" help and so it was a continual reminder to help me to follow through and say, "you bet, I'd love to untie the knot, AFTER we pick up this other project. It worked so well, I still kept things in containers, but then "bagged" the container with a nice knot. I also found we just had too many toys. They were all "educational" but there were just too many. So I packed away many of them and just left a few of them out. I made a point to change them once a month or so. By the way, we hung a simple board across the wall, and then ran hooks across for the bags to hang on. For the most part, anything that had pieces, was in a bag. I'm trying to remember a WONDERFUL book by a woman I had several years ago, but can't remember it about organizing children's things, it was so good. If I remember it I'll post. It was very good for books, games, etc. Goodluck, post how you are coming along!! Chris