to have implemented a new 'toy regime'??

[EatDessertFirst]

We are currently in the process of decorating our house top to bottom. We started with the childrens rooms (DD5.3, DS3.3), and they both now have ample storage for all of their toys in their own bedrooms so there are no arguements not at all because the constant toy clutter is driving me insane

We allow them to bring one smallish box of toys downstairs in the morning, which is then taken back upstairs at bedtime. Obviously DD is at school most of the day during the week and DS is at nursery during school hours three days a week. They are not 'restricted' on books, we have an entire shelf of their books in easy reach at all times. We are not as strict at the weekends but we are rarely indoors that much those two days anyway.

My DM thinks we are being a bit draconian. We think they are old enough to take responsibility for looking after/putting away/tidying up their toys AND we would like to sort of reclaim our living/dining room.

My two youngest play better if toys are limited. Before Christmas we had a big tidy and they only had the cars out, they played beautifully. Now we are back to everything out until I find room for their new toys upstairs.

I have noticed MIL plays with them in a regimented way, Duplo out, build something, put it away, pirate ships out, play for a bit, put it away. I find that a bit odd.

Ha ha at not handling genre mixing, some of you are going to need to relax your opinions on a lot of things as your children grow into older, more independent beings...you won't be able yo micro manage them then, nor would it be healthy for them if you did.

Why can't the lovely Lego and Playmobil people play together? They make an enhanced society

Divided opinions! Loving the debate!

I should point out that they can play in their rooms as much as they like (DD prefers to do this with her toys with 'bits' so DS doesn't trash her game as she is playing) and I am more than willing for train tracks etc to be on the floor within reason i.e. so they can be walked around rather than in doorways. But we do have a small house and toy-spreading has caused various bumps and injuries from tripping.

Maybe I should get them bigger boxes (current ones are about 2ft cubes on wheels which they seem to play with more than the toys in them). A small cupboard may be a great idea when the decorating is finished and money allows it.

Thank you all for your opinions. Xx

Oh, and they can 'swap' toys if they choose to play with something else.

I think YANBU and teaching your DC to be tidy. It's not like you are implementing some draconian 'seen but not heard' zero-toy-tolerance rule - just a reasonable amount out, and tidied away before bed.

Lego is not for children under the age of 27.

My kids have toy boxes in their bedroom for toys I don't want cluttering my living room constantly, namely dollies, teddies, duplo (mostly because both DC prefer Lego and Duplo is a specific set) etc. The DCs bookcase is in DDs room and is full to the brim of their books.
However they are able to bring down what they want when they want, as long as it goes back upstairs at bedtime.
They also have a large storage box under the window in the living room full of toys that I don't mind being downstairs. This is mostly colouring books, crayons, cars, train sets, playdoh and craft stuff. There is also a Lego box. I wanted to have a room where the children could play till bedtime, but then everything in the box, lid on and I have a relaxing adult room.
I have these Ottomans which are fantastic for living room toy boxes. They look lovely, hold (hide) lots of toys and double as extra seating when entertaining. Maybe these would be a happy middle ground OP?

Ottomans look like my best bet. Love the extra seating thing. Thank you for the link Littleprincess.

Perspective, Some of you are going to need to relax your opinions on a lot of things as your children grow into older, more independent beings...you won't be able yo micro manage them then, nor would it be healthy for them if you did.

Mine are growing up. I haven't had to relax my opinions. Just because it's my opinion, doesn't mean it has to be theirs though. It's unusual to be so judgemental and presumptive of someone else's parenting based on one comment.

Oh stop my sides are aching - killing myself laughing at the idea of

Playing with one toy at a time!

My house looks like toys r us in the January sales.

We have a separate playroom/den downstairs so I can just close the door in the evening. Total bliss. I could not live in such a small house. Poor you OP.

"Only 1 box of toys" - How is that possibly not enough? Children are stupidly spoilt these days - Oh poor kid is only allowed to play with a whole boxful of toys at a time boo hoo

Nice idea, taken a little to extremes imo. Sorry.

They should play with what they like in the day, and if they decide now is the time for playdough or something, then yes, put toys back.

But lots mingle well together, Don't restrict their imagination.

And definitely, they put away at night.

my dcs tend to keep their bulky toys in their bedrooms - teddies, dolls etc. downstairs we have a utility room where dolls prams, scooters etc are kept. in the lounge we have a cube bookcase with four compartments - 2 are for books, 1 for playmobil the other for pens and stationary. we also have a huge storage unit with 5 deep shelves that hold craft bits, playdough kits, jigsaws, board games, more books, lego, playmobil, sylvanians and paper, pens etc. I like to keep sets downstairs as I can control how many games they have out at once etc as dd has SN andd doesnt understand the concept of one board game at a time and will happily open the lot into one big pile!
we also have the sylvanian mansion in the lounge as dd plays with it daily. currently the sylvanians are riding in the playmobil police riot van!

They won't be children for long and will disappear into their bedrooms when teenagers. I took enjoyment from seeing the toys and ds playing with them.