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AIBU?

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Original poster

To not want toys brought into the lounge?

464 replies

ohnononofenton · 15/01/2026 17:19

So in context, our downstairs area is all open plan. There’s a smallish lounge, a dining room and then an orangery. The children’s toys and games are in the orangery and their bedrooms.

They both but especially my five year old keep bringing them into the lounge. I hate it. It’s mostly because the lounge is on the small side so quickly gets full, toys get trampled on, end up under the sofa and the TV unit. I end up skidding on toy cars and parts of tool boxes all the time.

I am trying to be quite firm about keeping toys in the orangery or bedrooms. Or is this just too uptight? It’s an ongoing battle keeping the house fairly tidy and I don’t do a bad job but it is a lot of work.

OP posts:
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rainbowsandraspberrygin · 15/01/2026 17:27

Not heard orangery before. Sounds like something that’s outside to grow oranges! 🍊 off to google!

Grumpiest2026 · 15/01/2026 17:27

nowt strange about an orangery. It’s a recognised type of room. Like a conservatory but without the glass roof!

MsGrumpytrousers · 15/01/2026 17:27

If they don’t like the “orangery” (what is it??) why don’t you make that the toy-free space instead of the lounge?

Original poster
ohnononofenton · 15/01/2026 17:26

Chasingsquirrels · 15/01/2026 17:21

Make tidying up after they've played with things part of the routine, but the house is their home - let them live in it.

Yeahhhhh … that’s not working. I know, ideally it should but it just doesn’t.

orangery 😂😂😂

Well, that’s … what it is Confused am I supposed to call it a coal shed or something?

OP posts:
Burntt · 15/01/2026 17:26

Start a toy time out for toys left in the lounge that are not played with. I think it’s fair to let them play in there but if they leave their toys in there confiscate them for a couple days. Needs to be a clear box in sights or they won’t be reminded they lost toys and just play with something else

Limth · 15/01/2026 17:24

Orangery 😂😂😂😂

Xmasbaby11 · 15/01/2026 17:24

Personally we let it happen - we had a playroom but sometimes the kids preferred the lounge! If you do allow it, enforce some rules - all toys in a box at the end of the day etc.

Createausername1970 · 15/01/2026 17:24

That's very normal. They want to play near you.

Just make sure they tidy-up afterwards, even if it's just popping everything into a box to carry back to the toy room.

jamandcustard · 15/01/2026 17:24

Just make them tidy up before bed.

Chamomileteaplease · 15/01/2026 17:23

I suppose it depends where you spend your time.

If you aren't in the lounge much then I don't suppose it matters. But if you use that as your main living area then it seems a bit sad for your kid(s).

Mind you, I don't fancy slipping on a car either. So I guess I am on the fence!

FuzzyPuffling · 15/01/2026 17:23

YABU for using the term "orangery" unless you live in Chatsworth House.

If it's like a conservatory, it's probably bloody freezing at this time of year, and of course your kids would prefer to be around family than in their bedrooms. They'll eventually grow out if it.

Hakunapatata · 15/01/2026 17:22

We have a playroom and toys in their bedrooms and toys spill into the lounge, kitchen….

ivtry to keep them in one area but realistically it doesn’t happen. I just keep telling myself that I’ll miss the toys one day. Tricky when you’re standing on Lego and hotwheels and glaring at Barbies, but as my mum says it’s ’clean mess’ and only a very small window of time.

i absolutely share the frustration though!

LilyLemonade · 15/01/2026 17:22

Very uptight, let it go. Just tidy them up before dinner or whenever. It won't last forever.

Chasingsquirrels · 15/01/2026 17:21

Make tidying up after they've played with things part of the routine, but the house is their home - let them live in it.