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My Very Own Toy Story (On Repeat)

Toys 


It was 8.30 pm on a weekday evening. I sat in the middle of what looked like the aftermath of a badly carried out burglary; Lego blocks, cars, crayons, books, dinosaurs and even a toilet roll (!) were carelessly scattered around me. I felt like any minute now CID ACP Pradyuman would barge into my living room and say rather sombrely, “kuch toh gadbad hai Daya”. Yes Sir! Gadbad toh hai hi, how oh how did we end up with so many toys?


Tidying up the kids’ toys and books everyday, throughout the day is becoming a real sore point in our otherwise hasta khelta parivaar. Getting the kids (4y and nearly 2y) to tidy up is easier said than done. Resorting to threats and/or bribes towards the end of the day is more tiresome than you can imagine. 


I sometimes feel like I’m in a bazaar - “Bhaiyya do aur tamaatar daal do na” only to be told “ itne paise mein itnaich milega!” I’d rather tidy up myself on most days except when I’m feeling particularly patient to negotiate with the boys. What sometimes works with them is getting them to race against each other. It’s only a matter of time until they figure out my strategy but hey make hay when the sun shines eh?! 


So coming back to the question of how we ended up with so many toys. We bought some, yes but most were birthday gifts (yes despite the no presents please request). Some others were given as kind gestures by family and friends. Also two kids at two different developmental stages means more toys and books at any given point in time. 


There are two categories of toys that need  special mention here because they come with zero warning. No not even the one where the Insurance uncle reads out “………subject to market risks, please read the offer document carefully…..”. No nothing. The first category is….drumroll (pun completely intended), Noisy toys! Musical instruments are my only exception here as they do facilitate learning. But a mic that plays Baby Shark on loop?! I kid you not, that song haunted me for days on end. The husband also said I was shouting Maaammyy sharkkk in my sleep. You see the damage? So when Baby R recently broke the toy by hitting it against the floor I was relieved; so relieved that I actually sang do do do do! Bah! The irony!


The second category of toys is a bit controversial as they are labelled as being “fobbed off” on you. So essentially you end up with a toy that is impractical but ends up occupying precious space in your house because the kids have somehow developed a soft corner for it. These toys are usually acquired during birthday parties. They share the following criteria:


Big in size (to draw full attention in your house)

Beautifully packaged (always! To entice the kids, see?)

Age inappropriate (e.g. gifting a 3 yr plus gift to a 1 yr old) 


It’s a huge menace these fobbed off toys. I mean why can’t people donate it to charity e.g. children’s hospitals where they would be really appreciated. 


I remember coming across a toy library just before covid took over the world. I never got a chance to check it out thanks to it shutting down. I wish more such places open up. It will be eco friendly too won’t it?!! Until then I’m going to try and think of ways to minimise the number of toys in our house. I just stepped on a piece of Lego!! Ouuuch! S#%* just got real people!


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