Why I’m asking for fewer toys for my kids

Gift-giving is always well-intentioned: It’s rooted in the joy of seeing the kids open something new and showing their excitement. It’s rooted in a language of love that lavishes gifts decadently like extra butter on a roll. It’s rooted in an attempt to connect.

It’s an immense privilege to have a family who loves my kids and showers us with gifts—I don’t take that lightly. But what my kids need is a present mom, and the overflow of presents makes that harder than ever.

When birthdays and holidays are approaching, I find myself looking around every corner of my house. I see the Lego pieces that once created an incredible train track now scattered in every crevice. I see the pieces just waiting for me to step on them in the middle of the night.

I see the discarded toys that I try to bring back to life because, after all, they were purchased not that long ago.

I see the tubs of “rotate in and out” toys that we use to try to keep things fresh because, after all, kids can only play with so many things at one time.

I see the pile of things we have yet to open. Things we reserved for later because the pile of “new” grew too large.

These piles of plastic make me feel out of control. They make me feel like I’m the manager of “things” instead of a safe place for my little humans. The toys call out to me to be picked up and organized during times that I need to rest, connect with my family or do anything else.

As a stay-at-home-mom, one thing I never anticipated was how many days can pass that I feel disconnected from my kids because the anxiety of “stuff” takes the front seat. Days when I feel like all I do is pick up “stuff” and try to keep my kids engaged in something for more than a few minutes. Days when it feels like the toys are literally mocking me out loud—reminding me of the control I’ve lost and the ongoing task list of keeping “stuff” from taking over the entire house.

This feeling of no control is a huge trigger for my anxiety. Anxiety has been a part of my life for years but as a mom, it has had bigger implications.

When anxiety takes over, I can’t see the small moments and opportunities.

When anxiety takes over, I can’t sit and laugh and tell stories like I want to.

When anxiety takes over, I can’t get lost in hours of imaginative play.

When anxiety takes over, I can’t sit and snuggle my little one without a constant flood of frustrated thoughts.

I want my kids to have an anxiety-free mom. I want them to have a mom who is connected and purposeful. A mom who gets lost in play and laughter. I want them to have a mom who encourages them to use their imagination and gets on their level. I want a mom who feels less pressure to “busy the kids” with something so that the “stuff” can be picked up.

You see, having all the stuff actually results in my kids spending less time enjoying what they have. It results in less time for play and more time for clean up. It results in more screen time because I need more “mommy needs to get this cleaned up so she doesn’t lose her mind” time.

In a world that is so fast-paced and always screaming for “more!” I am constantly trying to help my kids slow down and savor what they have. I don’t want my kids to not be able to focus on one activity because their brain is darting to the next thing. I want them to have intentional values—values of creativity and connection. The abundance of stuff feels like a roadblock to instilling these values.

So as the holidays and birthdays continue to come and go, I’ll do my part to take care of my anxiety and ask my family and friends to do their part in helping us focus more on the values of our family and less on filling our home with toys that are sure to be deserted in just a few weeks. After all, is there anything better than love and connection?