Where did all those toys come from? There are not just a few little playthings, but enough toys to fill every nook and cranny in a home shortly after a child arrives on the scene. These toys have a unique ability to divide and conquer, to spread into the most unexpected places, and consume one's already sparse space and time. Toys fill bath tubs, overflow toy boxes, find their way into kitchen drawers, under sheets and under foot.

Getting a handle on managing your child's toys can save a lot of sanity and give each toy more play value. After all if you can't find it, it's hard to play with it. Most parents recognize the value of play and the importance of toys for our children... but we can still keep our houses from being turned entirely over to the toys. Here are a few ideas for controlling the toy population.

1. Place an old bookcase in your child's closet. Most small children's clothes are too small to need all the hanging space. Use it for not only books but also stuffed animals and other toys.

2. Picnic baskets make great storage containers! They are easily moved from room to room, have light lids that won't pinch little fingers, and have the added benefit of being somewhat decorative.

3. Try cutting the spout part out of a 4 L milk jug. They make excellent holders for blocks, cars, crayons etc. It also makes it easy for little people to carry around those treasures.

4. Color code the back of each puzzle with a felt marker. When the pieces get mixed up, all you have to do is turn them over to know that the red pieces go together and all the yellow and so on.

5. Try to refrain from dumping all the toys into one giant bin. You will quickly find there is a tendency for many children to dump all the toys out again during play time. Purchase smaller containers and sort the toys to theme. Your child will be able to more easily find the toys he or she is looking for, and will also be able to help clean up with out it being such a huge task.

Taking small steps to organize the clutter can go along way in providing both valuable play to your children and a little less chaos for you.

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Credits: Diane Martin