by Trenna Sue Hiler

Created on: January 03, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2010

Toy rotation is a good idea for every family and school. Everyone benefits from toy rotation. There is an organized and right way to make it work for the benefit of all involved.

*Time to clean and repair the toys

It's cute to see a little six month  old child grab the rounds on the stacking toy and put them in his mouth. It looks like a big bright colored doughnut. Eventually he finds another object of interest and the toy is tossed to the floor. How many germs sit around on toys for days and perhaps even months? We pick up all the toys and put them away every evening, but when do we really clean them? When do we check them and make sure they are not broken or in need of some minor repair?

Toy rotation can be done a few toys at a time. Remove a toy. Clean in thoroughly. Bleach and hot water work for many plastics. Just try and keep in mind that every toy may enter someones mouth and cleaning will be easy. Wooden blocks can also be tossed in a bleach mixture and allowed to dry.

Carefully pack the toys into a storage area in the home and mark the date. This will allow the child to have a different toy experience on a regular basis without a huge cost.

*Money savings on toys

A child can really only play effectively with one or two toys at a time. This doesn't mean that a selection of toys is a bad idea, but too many toys just leaves a cluttered mess. So pick a few really great age appropriate toys. If there is something the child has become overly attached to, replace it. If the child is too young to use the toy, put it away. If there are duplicate toys donate one to a shelter.

A toddler can have a few no toy days. Put all the toys away for sorting and reintroduce pot and pans. Give them a wooden spoon and listen to the magic. Take out the bottle of bubbles and chase them to their hearts content. Get out the cotton balls and have a snowball toss.

*Children experience different toys

Introducing a new or returning toy into the rotation can be lots of fun. Hide it in a pillow case and open it to see who or what has returned. Think about the skill level of the child and bring in a toy that will challenge the child. If there is a returning toy, show the child a new way to play with it.

Take the time to teach the child how the toy works. There are less distractions and they can really learn about and enjoy a toy. Then walk away and let the child play as they wish.  They may return to you later if they want another demonstration or someone to play with.

*Clean up time is minimal

There is nothing fun about fighting and arguing with children to pick up toys and put them away. Fewer toys makes the task easier. It also allows that there is a proper place for every toy. Wouldn't it be wonderful to teach the children organization skills, just by playing with toys?

*Create a toy co-op

If you live in a neighborhood where there are families and children you associate with, talk about toys. See if you can exchange some toys and rotate some different toys through different households. Some can even agree that purchases made for holidays like Christmas are different and introduced as family toys.

Raising children to understand that people are more important than things and toys are things is a good idea. Sharing can be a great experience and teaching tool for everyone.

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