Sometimes Less IS More

originally posted 25 OCT 2014

We had just moved to the Caribbean. My son was in fourth grade and my daughter in pre-K. Other that what we had in our luggage we didn't have much that was ours. Our rental was furnished and our luggage had been stuffed with clothing and other necessities. The kids were able to bring a few small favorite toys but that was all. We were told it would take about three or four weeks before our 'stuff' would arrive.

Getting creative, I went to a nearby mall. I bought a large color assortment of construction paper, some crayons, colored pens and kids' scissors. I left them on the table upstairs.

For the next month, those kids had a blast. They were creative. They were making all sorts of toys and gadgets with their paper. They were coloring. Not once did I hear, "There's nothing to do."
Finally our 'stuff' arrived along with all...their...toys... After the initial excitement at seeing their 'stuff' again, I noticed I was hearing, "There's nothing to do." once again. Let me just say, that doesn't last long because I'll give them something to do that generally involved housework of some sort so it's not often uttered here but it really made a point.

I really believe that our kids just have too much stuff. I saw them content and happy with plenty to do for a month and then they were overwhelmed with stuff. There, suddenly, were too many choices.

I added this photo of our new kitty because while she has fun kitty toys, she has been so content with a piece of yarn my husband tied to one of our bar stools. That is where her attention keeps returning.
I'm reminded that often when you get a tot a flashy gizmo for Christmas, they are often more intrigued by the box.

Sometimes less is indeed more.