Many of us would agree that our children have an abundance of possessions. Even though my husband and I seek to limit the number of playthings that enter our house (and I’m nearly obsessive about constantly editing their toys), it still seems like there is too much stuff – especially when it’s time to put it all away!
However, if I were to pare it all down to the things I’d really like my children to use, here are five things I think they should own.
- A Bible. Long before our daughters were old enough to read, we had them begin taking a little Bible with them to church. We taught them to handle it respectfully and treat it with care. When they sat in church services with us, we would help them find the Scripture passages the Pastor used to help them understand that he was preaching from God’s Word.
- Books. Personally, I don’t think a child can own too many good books! We have four three-shelf bookcases full of books that our girls enjoy reading.
- A Bicycle. In the early stages, they had a ride-on toy, then a tricycle and eventually a two-wheel bike. Not only does it teach balance and build their gross motor skills, but it gives a sense of independence. Every child likes having their own set of wheels!
- Blocks. These could be wooden blocks, Duplos, Legos or some empty cardboard boxes. Size and shape don’t matter as much as the ability they give your child to use his imagination.
- Art supplies. You never know what creativity your child might possess! I am not an “artsy” person, but our daughters have always enjoyed using paper, crayons, scissors and glue to make an amazing array of projects.
So there’s a basic list of items I like for my children to have. What would be on your list?
Hmmmm, good to think about! Thanks! 🙂
I think I would choose those same exact things.
Janet,
Love it when readers and I agree! 😉 Someone on Twitter mentioned adding a musical instrument as number six and I thought that was a fabulous idea! Both of our daughters take piano lessons and I think what they are learning will be invaluable throughout their lives.
This is a great list! I agree with you about all of the toys, and we have all of the ones you list for our children, too. The only thing I would add is a baby doll for children (especially daughters) to practice being a mommy.
Nikki,
Definitely a baby doll for girls! If I had boys, I'd want to include a ball and a truck. I think it's these basic things that really spark their imagination and provide hours of entertainment.
hmmm…off the top of my head I would add a musical instrument (since it is such a large part of our world), dolls for bella, and trains for sophie. It is amazing how well her motor skills advanced by taking apart and re-configuring tracks for her trains.
Great post!
Aurie,
All great additions to the list! My girls never had trains at home – but they always enjoyed playing with the Thomas the Train sets at the bookstores! I'm sure it would have been fun for them at home as well.
I would agree with the list, and I would agree with most of the additions from the comments above.
I think that most little boys love to have a stuffed animal too – I gave my son a stuffed puppy for his first birthday and he has 'loved' that thing until it is in a terrible (used) state! 🙂
Something I think I would have to add for girls is a little teaset, whether plastic or porcelein. They LOVE pretending to have teaparties or cook etc, and I think that's good for their learning, too 🙂
I totally agree with all of those! I like your idea about having them bring Bibles to church early on.
Hope you have a great weekend!
Mary,
I remember our girls' first Bibles being little pink New Testaments that they received when we dedicated them as babies at our church.
Hope you have a great weekend as well!
Clara,
It's funny that you mentioned stuffed animals since two of my nephews play with them all the time! They use them in all sorts of ways – even as action figures who fight each other! It's amazing, but that's definitely an item to add to the list.
My girls have had tea sets and those are certainly fun, too.
I agree with all of your items, plus I think I would add some kind of a ball, and some kind of a lovey, whether it's a doll or a stuffed animal. Kids truly do love them, and I think it nurtures their souls and helps them learn how to love.
Joanna,
Great additions to the list! I'm sure my girls would add to the list a real pet to learn to love! Haven't taken that leap yet. 😉