Why Children Will Benefit from Fewer Toys - a podcast by Denaye Barahona Ph.D.

The toy industry sells us the story that our children need toys to be happy. In fact, we are sold the story that our kids need lots of new toys to be content. You may have come to believe that more toys=more joy and find yourself spending countless dollars attempting to prove this theory to be true. You aren't alone, in 2020 the toy industry brought in over $95 million in global sales.

These numbers surely bring a lot of happiness to the toy industry. But what about our kids? 

Let me tell you our story. When I became a new mother, I was ready to give my baby everything. All the toys, all the love, all the best. 



This motto "more is better" wasn't new to me. I entered motherhood with a lifelong history of clutter--both physical clutter and mental clutter. But I had different circumstances than most when I gave birth to my first child. At that time, I was finishing up my doctorate in Child Development. 

That means, during my first pregnancy, I was elbow deep in more than just clutter—I was also immersed in the research about what children really need to grow, learn, and thrive.

Much to my surprise, there was nothing in the research that supported the idea that buying lots of toys was actually good for our kids. In fact, having fewer toys benefits our kids in more ways than you can imagine. Over the past decade, I've turned thousands of families into believers of the benefits of fewer toys. 

And I can tell you one thing for sure, you will never look back. 

Not only does fewer toys benefit the development of the child, but also the well-being of the parents. Because the way we buy for our children teaches them. That's why I want to share with you 9 things that kid's learn by having fewer toys. 



















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9 Things That Kid's Learn by Having Fewer Toys















1. Just Say No to Crap







When we tell our children “no” to new toys and we limit the number of trinkets that they acquire—we are not being mean. We are teaching. We are teaching our children that what comes into our house must eventually leave our house. And did you know that most plastic toys end up in the landfill for up to 500 years? That life-size plastic Sven Reindeer and Barbie Dream House [sorry Barbie, I’m going there...] are going to outlive your grandchildren’s great-great-great grandchildren.??So let’s say no to plastic crap. Let’s say no to the stuff that’s going to lose their interest quickly. Let’s say no to the flashy stuff the marketers dump billions into selling to our kids. Because when we say no to junk, we are sending our kids a message. The way we buy MATTERS. We have a choice. We have an impact on the world that is greater than we know. ??PS-if you already have the Sven and/or the Barbie Dream House, no shame. Just make sure it finds a good home after it leaves your house and starting today: Say no to crap. If you are a new believer in the benefits of fewer toys for kids, give yourself some grace.















2. Stand Up For What Matters







I know what you are thinking—“I don’t buy all these toys, it’s the GRANDPARENTS!” I hear this all.the.time. I get it. It’s super awkward to have the conversation with your family members about buying less for your kids. You don’t want to sound unappreciative and/or ungrateful. ??Instead, maybe you just take the “Smile, say thank you, and donate later approach.” But to me,

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