Child's Play

Several months ago, my husband and I decided to really look into our children's toys. Specifically, what they were made out of, where they were manufactured, and whether they were really teaching them something of value.
With what I believe was the Lord's leading in this situation, we began to weed out many types of toys.
We enlarged our collection of wooden blocks.
We agreed to keep our beloved Legos.
(Lego fully discloses the type of plastic they use, and it was an okay type.)
We increased our art and craft supplies. We made playdough.

We rid our home of most commercially-made and media-influenced toys.
This has opened up the world of "hand-made with love" kind of toys.

The most amazing and wonderful thing happened. They were beginning to use their imaginations and creativity so much more. They stopped asking to watch television. They began to *really* play. (And I was more than happy to join in.....)

We thrifted an absolutely gorgeous hand-crafted rocking doll cradle for my daughter. This will be something she can save for her daughter.
These are the thing we realized:
-Children do not need a lot of toys.
-Kids will turn just about anything in to a toy.
-We weren't giving creativity enough room to thrive.
-We weren't reading enough to our children.
-Media was more of an influence than we cared to admit.
-We like making toys and creating with our children.
-Our children treasure hand-made gifts from the heart so much more.
-Hand-crafted toys will last generations.
Most of all, we are just trying to make a lighter footprint on creation and trying to achieve a simplicity in our lives that involves less consumerism.
Plus, there is so much joy and fulfillment to be gained from creating with our children. We are not only creating the tangible, we are creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Have a very blessed night of rest and a joyful day tomorrow. Tami