The following is a guest post by my 8-year old son, Salem Becker.
Buying an 8-year old a toy can be tough. It can be a difficult choice for them because there is a lot of new stuff in the toy stores everyday. A kid’s mind changes a lot. We like something one month but something different another month. If you don’t give away toys you don’t need or want, you’ll end up with too many toys.
And having too many toys can be a little bit of a problem. Because…
- It takes too long to pick them up.
- You forget where some of them are.
- You might not have enough room to keep them all.
- If you have too many toys, you might not have space to play with them.
If you need help finding good toys, here are some things you might like…
- Don’t buy really cheap toys. Because they just might break right away like the things that I get with tickets at Pizza Putt. Those toys usually break right away.
- Don’t always buy small toys. Because it’s really easy to lose some.
- Only buy things you really want. Just because your friends have it doesn’t mean you really want it.
- Only buy things you are interested in. For example, if you are going to get a couple of cars, you should get the cars that interest you. If you don’t like tractors, then you shouldn’t get a tractor-car.
- Buy toys that you can play with other people. If you don’t like playing by yourself, get toys that you can play with other people. If you are an only child, you can always play with your parents.
- You should probably buy some video game that you would like. Because if you are by yourself, you can play it by yourself. And if you are having a play date with other people at your house, you can play it with them. But only play it for a certain time – not too much.
Having too many toys is a problem, isn’t it? I hope you find this helpful.
I hope as well that you found his view of the world to be both enjoyable and helpful. And I’m sure he would warmly welcome any comments you might have…
Julie Mangham says
Well put, Salem!
We have 4 kids in our family, but I have a feeling you would have a great time playing with Laytham (9) and Tate (7). We have moved a lot, and each move has been either to or from the country of Jordan. Laytham and Tate have given up their toys over and over again. And once they lost most of their toys and books in a flood. I have noticed that it has made them appreciate the toys they were able to keep and most importantly, understand that toys aren’t what is most important. The last time we moved they sold many of their toys in order to buy new toys when they returned to America. However, we have been here for for almost 7 months and they still haven’t spent their money. Your blog will be an encouragement to them, because I think they are feeling the same way.
By the way, I am sure you know that your name means “peace” in Arabic, which is the language we speak to our friends in Jordan.
High five!
erin says
It is wonderful that you have taught your children to appreciate what they have, especially after tragedy such as a flood. I know that for a lot of people, it is tragedies like a flood or fire that makes them become hoarders! They can end up wanting to keep everything for fear that it will one day just disappear. I know this from experience. Great job!!
Courtney Carver | Be More With Less says
Dear Salem,
This very thoughtful post is going to generate a lot of response. While other children will understand what you are saying, it is the adults, like the moms and dads who will be thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
Sometimes we think that cheap toys are better because we can get more of them, or sometimes we buy something we aren’t that interested in, like a tractor-car, instead of what we really want because we don’t want to wait to find the right thing, or save more money to afford it.
You have some really great ideas and I think by posting them on your Dad’s blog, you reminded all of us that children are smart and have so much to offer the world.
Thanks for working on a snow day,
Courtney
Crystal says
Great job! I really enjoyed your post! I will have my 7 year old daughter read this. I’m sure she will enjoy it too, since we have been learning how to sort out toys we don’t play with anymore and give them to other children who are in need of toys.
Lori says
great post, salem.
we like to buy toys that work together to make something bigger — e.g., wooden blocks and wooden train set pieces when our sons were younger and legos now that they are older. then you have enough to play with all your friends plus make something really big and complex.
heather says
Is Pizza Putt a real place or a “please don’t sue us” pseudonym of a large chain pizza company? Just curious.
Jill Foley says
Pizza Putt is a real place! I smiled when I read this, as I used to live where the Beckers live, and this brought back *fond* memories.
heather says
Sounds cool! If I ever get to Vermont, maybe I can visit. : )
erin says
pizza putt is an indoor mini golf/pizza/arcade hang out! they also have laser tag and i think they added an indoor carnival ride! the golf is not so good anymore and could use a MAJOR update but when i was a kid, i LOVED it!!!
Salem Becker says
I love it too. – Salem
Rachel says
Thank you Salem! Such wise words many kids need to hear – great job on your first blog post!
Rebecca says
What a wonderful post, Salem! I saw this through Man vs. Debt, and thouroughly enjoyed visiting your site. I plan on sending it home for my husband to read to my 7-year-old this morning. We have this discussion frequently, and I know she will like to hear another kid’s opinion on the matter. Keep up the writing–you have a talent!
Salem Becker says
Yes I do. – Salem
Laura says
From the mouths of babes! Great post Salem! It is so wonderful to see such strong values in a younger generation. I think you have a future blogger on your hands!
Laura’s Last Post: Random Thursday: For all my fellow nerds
Dr. Laura @ WhoIsLaura.com says
Salem,
I will try to do that too.
(Typed by my 8 year old after reading they read the post)
Shannon says
Great post, Salem! I would love to hear more from you about being a minimalist and how it has affected you growing up. I’m constantly worrying that when my tykes are your age, they will be ostracized because our family is not typical. I want them to embrace our lifestyle and be proud of it – much like you are! What a role model you are!