Hellobee Boards

Toy rotation, to me, is mostly about encouraging creative play and decreasing that overwhelmed feeling that us humans get when confronted by waaaay too much choice. It's also fun when kids get to re-discover favorites that had been put away after not being used for a while. Jackpot!!

I wouldn't consider it "giving in," really, to go along with requests for specific items. Sometimes I'm too busy to go get whatever it is. Maybe Ellie (big sister) will help. Maybe she needs to wait (also a good lesson). Sometimes we can't find it. Overall, though, I'm really supportive of helping them find something they see a use for in their play because when I do they more often than not really use it for a long time. Ditto to playing downstairs. I think you'll recognize when there's just too much out and it's not getting used, or she maybe just stops playing and reports that she's bored. Usually that's the point when we'll change out what's currently out for a new crop of stuff. I say don't over-think, and just have fun and follow your gut.

As for what we do with big items, we do the same as the small stuff. We try to bring some down to the basement for storage so it's not overwhelming to the kids or us parents. When they need something for play they can ask for help to get it (Sometimes I'll initiate an exchange: I'm happy to get the dollhouse; what can I bring down to the basement on the way down there? And they will choose another big item to put away for the time being).