There will be a few exceptions to my “no new stuffed animals in the house rule”. I would, however, appreciate not having to utilize that decision making process. We’ve been overrun. With 9 years of “children” in the house and a few strays leftover from Dave and I’se childhood, the mountain of stuffed animals is daunting. Out of sight, out of mind is great but my children did the great (dis)service of lining them all up on the couch and floor before I was up this morning to be their puppet show audience.
Little did they know this was the start of a heart wrenching day for them. See, this is why they pile up. I just don’t have the heart to rip them away from them as they pitifully say but Uncle/Aunt/Grandma/ ?? _____ gave them to me. How do you argue with that? Here’s the deal. If you are my sibling, I only plan to get your child ONE stuffed animal – ever. I plan to buy a Build-a-Bear unless you wish me not to. I started this with Niece #1 and will continue it as long as you all let me. Your child will get outfits for their furry friend but no best friend or little sister will join the ranks compliments of me.
So here is my dilemma and why I have had to take this approach. I have a child who is incredibly allergic to dust. According to the numbers, he needs a hypoallergenic mattress pad and pillow protector. His bedding needs washed every week, no curtains in his room, and the room dusted often – VERY often. His stuffed animals are to be washed or frozen EVERY WEEK. I have 10 loads of laundry a week. I don’t have time for this. I don’t have time for my little boy to be sick either-over a stuffed animal at that. It’s hard to find a way to get rid of some of the stuffed animals already accumulated without making him feel guilty, sad, or bad about himself. After all, if HE didn’t get sick he wouldn’t have to give up his buddy, his siblings wouldn’t have to give them up.
So here’s the deal, when you see a super cute stuffed animal you want to get for a special someone you know, think about it before you buy. I’m not saying don’t buy a stuffed animal EVER. Just think about what the value of that stuffed animal will be in their life, now or down the road.
Here are some fun ways to organize the pets that can’t be let go of –
6 Tier Hanging Mesh Storage Closet Organizer Kids Room Unit Pink
About Heather McCurdy
Heather McCurdy writes at Real: The Kitchen and Beyond where she shows families how to slow down and savor life on any budget with tasty homemade recipes and family travel.
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