What to do with toys your child is bored with...
In the early years, children's interests change a lot.
This happens naturally as they grow and discover new skills.
They might play with a toy every day and then - suddenly - have no interest in it.
Why?
This happens once they’ve mastered it or gotten what they need from it.
They might lose interest temporarily or move on entirely, seeking new challenges that align with their developing abilities.
So how do you decide if you should get rid of a toy?
When you observe that your child has lost interest in a toy, try this:
1. Put the toy away for a few weeks.
We’ve talked about toy rotation before and you can get a lot of shelf life out of your child’s toys by rotating them on and off your child’s toy shelf.
Toy rotation is also a great way to figure out if your child has simply gotten bored of a toy for the time being or if they’ve outgrown it. You can read more about how to do toy rotation here: https://themontessoriroom.com/blogs/montessori-tips/why-toy-rotation-is-the-key-to-a-beautiful-playroom-and-your-sanity
2. Reintroduce the toy after a few weeks.
See if it piques your child’s interest. Often, a toy that was once "boring" becomes interesting again after a short break. If they aren’t playing with it after a few days, it may be time to give it away/donate it.
3. Set up an "invitation to play."
If your child is used to seeing a toy on their toy shelf, you can renew their interest by setting it up in a different way. For example: Pair animal figurines with blocks or play dough, or create a road on the floor with Painter’s Tape to use with toy cars. This post has a bunch of cool "Invitations to Play".
Is Your Child Throwing or Damaging Their Toys?
Your child may be bored with a toy if they're starting to explore it in unsafe or inappropriate ways.
For example, they might begin throwing pieces, stepping on toys or using objects in rough or unexpected ways.
This kind of behaviour is usually a sign that they’re seeking more stimulation, challenge or novelty.
In this case, I would also recommend the steps above - try rotating, and if that doesn't work, then donate it.
