By Sarah Jean of momtruthbomb.com
When you give a kid some toys, those toys will most likely break at some point. Then, that kid will look to you, their mom or dad, to fix those broken toys.
If this scenario sounds at all familiar, you are not alone. But don’t worry, because I have found an awesome method to make the annoyance of fixing broken toys a thing of the past! Just follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Set the broken toys aside. Tell your kid that you don’t have the time to fix them right now. If that doesn’t work, and they continue to badger you, try telling them you don’t have the right glue, or the proper tools. Most children will find these excuses acceptable and they’ll move on to something else.
Step 2: Let the broken toys sit in the same spot for several weeks. A corner of any desk or shelf will do just fine. This pile of toys will probably grow in size during this time frame, but don’t worry. That is all a part of the plan.
Step 3: After a few weeks, move the pile of broken toys to a less conspicuous place, preferably up high, out of the eyeline of small children.
Step 4: Leave the pile for up to three or four months. Over time, your child will most likely forget that this toy ever existed. Remember, this will only work if your child cannot see the pile of toys—out of sight, out of mind.
Step 5: When you are confident that your child has completely forgotten about their broken toys, safely dispose of them in a trash can while they are at school, or otherwise occupied. Remember to carefully hide them well, underneath other trash, or your child will discover them.
There you have it! In just 5 simple steps, you will never have to fix another broken toy again!
A version of this post was first published on momtruthbomb.com. If you liked this article, you might also enjoy The Mom Guide to Having a Smooth Morning and The Mom’s Guide to Going Out.
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About the Author
Sarah Jean lives in New England with her husband and two wonderful children whom she loves dearly, in small increments throughout the day, in between their whining, crying, screaming, and fighting. She writes about it to make herself laugh. Read more at The Mom TruthBomb and follow Sarah on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.