tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post8687733405255924896..comments2023-10-19T23:31:13.746-07:00Comments on Field Notes from an Evolutionary Psychologist: Kids and Toys: Avoiding the plastic crap trap.Field Noteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18372584643389870376noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-58574912551085444252010-03-22T19:16:59.211-07:002010-03-22T19:16:59.211-07:00I have the same feelings as you regarding plastic ...I have the same feelings as you regarding plastic junk toys. No matter how nicely we explained this to well meaning grandparents, they thought it was ludicris and abtually tripled the amount of toys they bought.<br /><br />So, it gets rather difficult trying to maintain this when they keep buying your kid piles of upon piles of toys.<br /><br />We finally told the grandparents about getting trains, blocks or books would be helpful instead, but it was a struggle and a sore spot for a long while.Little Lovableshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02372045299073262480noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-4811182580245767712009-12-22T09:04:14.918-08:002009-12-22T09:04:14.918-08:00This is fantastic! I have no kids yet, and I'...This is fantastic! I have no kids yet, and I'm always shocked (sometimes appalled?) by the sheer number of toys my friends' kids have....and don't use.Unbalanced Reactionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13407339711183651108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-25618242770236922142009-12-19T14:11:05.133-08:002009-12-19T14:11:05.133-08:00This is great. We are in the same mindset regardin...This is great. We are in the same mindset regarding toys, and so far it's been great! (our darling daughter was due yesterday, but she's still enjoying her womb-nursery and hasn't made any moves to join us out here yet)... we have some wooden puzzles and wood stacking rings, some organic stuffed animals.. and that's it. I figure clay and an easel are essential, but beyond that, I'm totally with you. Creativity and "toys" in the natural world will be plenty. The plastic light-up, noise-making toys are too over-stimulating and creativity-smushing. Right on! Good luck with your plan, and I hope that we will be able to follow suit!Kitty Wilkinhttp://kittysheartofnature.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-54821830770372275092009-12-10T09:48:00.119-08:002009-12-10T09:48:00.119-08:00I really like this philosophy. If I were patient ...I really like this philosophy. If I were patient and creative enough I'd make toys for Little Miss, like you have for Baby FN. Alas, I am not! However, I am a HUGE advocate for using the imagination, being creative, and being content with a few fun things that can be used in a variety of ways.<br /><br />The train/block sets you speak of that can be added to over time is a fabulous idea. My parents got me Brio trains as a kid, and DH has a HUGE Rubbermaid container full of LEGOs (not just from when he was a kid, either!). <br /><br />We don't actually have very many toys for Little Miss right now. A few she can grab and chew on, and a couple that make music for long car rides, and perhaps a rattle or two. All the rest are stuffed animals and books. I'm sure there are plenty of toys wrapped from Grandma under the tree, however...<br /><br />You've inspired me to blog, actually...if I steal your blog/parenting idea, will you forgive me? :)Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15100023167123234673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-62096619379969108932009-11-25T13:20:37.903-08:002009-11-25T13:20:37.903-08:00That's a good Q, AM. I don't think we'...That's a good Q, AM. I don't think we'll have that problem so much here, but we'll see come Christmas next year! If we start having toys pile up, I think I would casually mention that we've got enough toys already.<br /><br />Now, one thing I didn't mention that I think is a good idea (for parents, grandparents, etc) is to have a special type of toy collection that can be added to over time, such as a train set, Legos, building blocks, sandbox toys, etc. That way, they know what the collection is and if they want to, they can get pieces that add to it.<br /><br />It seems to work well for my little nephew - and no one is ever at a loss for what kind of toy to bring for birthdays.Field Noteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18372584643389870376noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30314848.post-33763103839302868702009-11-25T09:25:32.524-08:002009-11-25T09:25:32.524-08:00I have thought about this too. It isn't an iss...I have thought about this too. It isn't an issue for me yet as I have no children, but I wonder how you communicate these toy dislikes to grandparents, friends, etc? Were you able to just tell them you don't want so much stuff and to stay away from plastic? Natural material toys are so much nicer, and generally last longer I think. Sounds like you have a pretty good plan!Amanda Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06921928619655882405noreply@blogger.com