The toys at MacDonalds are a psychological trick being played on your kids. Children like to collect things, it’s called Serieation (sp.) in Psych circles. To full-fill their need to finish this collection the kids will need to eat more “Happy Meals”.

Also the “Happy Meals” are designed to engender a “Happy Memory” so that when your kids are adults they associate Macca’s with a happy memory.

my son is 6 and handles his own purging (he’s pretty bright and would notice if something is missing). he’s also good at sticking to his decisions so if he decides that it’s time to get rid of a toy – he never looks back. when it is time to minimalize his toys, we ask him if he has any toys that he would like to give to “kids that don’t have as many.” from his selection, we throw some away, give some to friends if the toy is appropriate, or put it in the garage sale pile. so far, he’s done very well… better than we thought (and better than his parents too).

2 bags of garbage out and a big bin of stuff for the thrift store later, I am pretty amazed at how much is gone. And even more amazed at how all they got excited about was how clean the room was, and not how much junk was missing. ;o)

I am glad it’s done, but I’m bothered by the fact that despite the fact that we have worked really hard to instill a social conscience into our kids, they can’t see past the end of their own noses to give things away unless it’s done stealthily. Even my pack-rat daughter doesn’t miss a thing that’s gone, but can’t manage to give anything away (even pre-school toys), even if it just sits. I think it’s a common kid thing, but it’s frustrating when I feel so free for all the stuff I’m doing without.

How have you managed to get your kids to purge, or at their young ages do you guys just do it for them?

But yesterday I decided to bring them into this equation, and I told my 2 kids if they could each bring me 10 things to take to the thrift store, they’d get a bonus on their allowance.

My son schlepped down there and quickly came up with 10 discarded toys. My daughter came back up with a container of her brother’s often- used soccer stuff. *rolls eyes*

I finally managed to get 20 legit things out of them, but oy vey. It’s going to be a long process at this rate. I may have to resort to going through it when they’re at school. Less fuss and it would take them months to notice. ;o)