to think kids don’t need a shitload of ‘things’

[User616161]

Me and my DD are quite active, there’s barely a day when we stay at home - it’s how we both like it. She goes to nursery two days a week whilst I work but on the three days we are alone and the weekends when DH is off we do swimming, soft play, farms, visit friends, playing imaginative games outside, crafts, making slime, baking etc. We do try and have one day at home a week but we usually still end up having a park trip / nature walk or something like that.
I get bored being at home and so does she so that’s just what works for us!
She has what I class as a lot of toys at home, I already feel like my house is super cluttered!
So me and DH had an idea the other day that for her upcoming birthday next month we wouldn’t be buying loads of toys, we would probably buy one token toy, some books (he loves reading!) and spend the rest of the birthday budget on experiences for her (there’s a live show she wants to go and watch, a soft play pass, money towards days out etc)
Our reasoning being that we are never at home anyway, it’s terrible for the environment, I value experiences over things and want to raise DD with the same morals. A lot of what I call ‘plastic tat’ just gets lost or broken or never played with.
My friends have a lot of toys for their kids and seem to buy loads more for Christmas and birthdays!
My BIL and SIL came round with their kids today and SIL said to her kids ‘oh it’s a shame that (DS) doesn’t have as many toys as us’ I was a bit like but now I’m wondering if I come across as a tight mother?

I don’t think going out every single day is necessarily a good thing. My kids absolutely love a day at home doing nothing much but playing with toys and watching TV. As your kids get bigger op, you might find that there is so much to do (activities, parties) and downtime, relaxing at home is hugely important. My kids absolutely adore their toys, they play games together etc. There is a balance to be had.

If you find your toys cluttered, get better storage. If your sil says your dc has hardly any toys, there may be some truth in it.

What you do sounds great but I also enjoy having down time at home to relax and with 3 kids I find days out and summer holidays quite expensive. There is good in playing with toys, it helps with imaginary play and concentration. No need for masses of toys but I think there can be a happy medium between being always out and about and not going out.

All our time is invested in our three (home educated) children, and bar one My Little Pony castle there is no plastic 'tat' here. However. I don't think it is a great idea to create the idea that home is boring and you have to go out for fun. It is really important (IMO) that kids have the time and space to create their own games at home/in the garden, hang out, read, potter etc. They don't need to be entertained or occupied by an adult at all times.

Half of my DS toys are in the loft.... he doesn't miss them 🙄

I am tempted to get rid of them but I feel bad that people spent their money on it with generous intentions but it just takes up so much space and he doesn't play with it!