hidden treasures

           

Nearly 6 months ago I started introducing the idea of putting toys away. I won't argue (much) with my children, especially when it comes to an exasperating challenging behaviour. In this case, our home looked like the inside of a large toy bin 24/7. Now the messiest toys are locked up in the pantry with a child proof cap on the door handle, and in containers that 'A' is unable to open independently.

We transitioned to this SLOWLY. Step by step, so he didn't have to feel like his 'precious' toys were being taken away, also so that he could tie the two concepts together of tidiness and ease of fun. If we tidy up it's much simpler to bring out another fun toy, right?! It turns out he finally agreed, and now we are working on having him help put toys back in the bin. Huge difference from the days of any container is for dumping, and any decoration was for shattering on the floor.

The best part, is he also has to ask and cannot acquire independently. He is fully capable of making requests, but it has taken us some time for him to generalize the emotional connection of asking for help and it being there when he needs it.

With 'A' we follow a primarily child-led lifestyle of learning and development. He stresses easily, so steps have to be broken down even further than another child, such as 'D' on a good day.