Toy Rotation

I am a firm believer in Toy Rotation.
Toy Rotation is simply taking the toys your children own and dividing them up into groups based upon how often you want to rotate. I usually have 3 groups (A, B, C). You start off by having group A out and accessible. You then pack up groups B and C. I think Rubbermaid Tubs work great for this, you can put them in a closet if you have the room. After a designated amount of time (1- 8 weeks) you switch and pack up group A and put out group B, and so on.

If anyone is not a believer in Toy Rotation, I give you: Exhibit A.

This toy has been packed up for 2 years. I took it out recently for our 9 month old baby. Don’t see her in the picture? Exactly my point. When you rotate the toys they are like new again and new is exciting and fun, even if you are 5 and 3 and the toy in question is for 9-18 month olds.

I’ve been doing Toy Rotation since my twins were a year old. If you haven’t tried it, you really should. A case could even be made for the fact that it encourages sibling togetherness, seen below in: Exhibit B (picture taken 3 hours and 45 minutes after exhibit A)

Although, truthfully I must admit that my older children are very good about helping with and playing with their little sister. She is almost like a new toy to them too! But it is easier to play with a younger sibling when they add “new” toys to the rotation.

One friend of mine does a similar concept with a friend. Instead of just rotating their own toys, they rotate and trade toys with another family.

Usually I would encourage rotating only age appropriate toys. I would not normally keep a toy like this in my rotation once my children have outgrown the toy, but we saved this toy because we knew we were having another child—so it’s back in my rotation.

Hey, I just saved Big Daddy money (again)!
See what happens when we have more children?
I’ll have to go ask him if he wants to save even more money next year.

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