I am sad yet guilty

[lwlynch]

Well first let me explain. We never had much money when my children were little, but just being blessed to be together seemed to be enough. I began watching kids, and started to be blessed upon with certain toys, that I have collected and used through the years. My children were always so happy and thankful for what they got. My dilema is I think I am attached to the stuff.. well to a point. I am starting to want to thin it out. I don't want to ebay it. I don't want to freecycle it. I want to give it to someone whos kids would really love it. Care for it as much as we did. But I know that I just have to let go, let God.... see I am still learning. I do know I don't want to throw things away.
The first thing I am trying (baby steps) I have 4 leap pads and oodles of books. All of them have worked when we lasted played with them.
But I don't know how to give it away without feeling sad.... maybe I just gotta buck up..I am a wimp....
Does anyone else get stuck in the wanna give away cycle yet it holds sooo much memories..?

Crazy here in GA...

[Darlene]

Not crazy.
Giving it to a childrens shelter or Ronald McDonald House type place will leave you with even better memories. You'll be surprised how good letting go & giving back can make you feel.
Louise

[AmyBoz]

I agree with Darlene. You'll get such a sense of satisfaction knowing that you are giving these toys to someone who really needs them and will love them as much as your family did. It's definitely hard, but you can do it.

[fluttermuffin]

I understand what you're feeling. One thing I've started doing is taking pictures of the things that make me feel all fuzzy inside. then I scrapbook that photo and journal my memories about my kids with it.... and it goes into their scrapbooks. The item is now creating new memories with another child... but we still have our memories in black and white....

[Lady_V]

When my brother was born, he was allergic to my stuffed animals. I had a -ton- of them since I was the only child (and the Princess).

I wrote adoption forms for each and every one of them and only let my Mom give them away if the person who took it signed and promised to love it as much as I did. (I was 4)

I think the Children's Hospitals, shelters, etc would be more than thrilled to take them. You can call ahead and see what can be taken.

You may be able to deliver them in person. I know when DD was stuck in isolation, she wasn't able to use the toys left in the playroom. We had to make due with making balloons out of gloves and balls out of gloves wrapped in tape. Her eyes got wide wide when someone (dressed head-to-toe in isolation gear) delivered a pail full of crayons, coloring books and a tic-tac-toe game we could play together.

[IntlMom]

Well, I'll be the cold hearted one of the bunch! I must have missed the sentimental gene when it was getting passed out ....I don't save anything. (My mom saved ZERO of my stuff either)
Maybe I should be a bit more sentimental, but then I cannot stand anything that seems like "clutter".
I actually have had friends ask me to come over to their house and help them declutter, cause they know I'll just start pitching stuff, and they have a hard time doing it!!

[mmy2grls]

I hated to see things go with my oldest. Favorite baby outfits, toys, everything had a memory. I even had the outfit I wore from the hospital and my oldest wore the same outfit. My mom gave away all the stuff I was saving because I had it stored in her garage.

Now I have no problem giving away something we can no longer use.

[staciah]

Well, I'll be the cold hearted one of the bunch! I must have missed the sentimental gene when it was getting passed out ....I don't save anything. (My mom saved ZERO of my stuff either)
Maybe I should be a bit more sentimental, but then I cannot stand anything that seems like "clutter".
I actually have had friends ask me to come over to their house and help them declutter, cause they know I'll just start pitching stuff, and they have a hard time doing it!!

I'm right there with you. Can't stand Clutter. If it's not being used, throw it out or give it away. I understand there are some things that should be kept and I do have some sentamental things like SOME of my childrens art work, not all. SOME cards from my husband and my oldest DS and other "important to me things" that simply can not be replaced. Toys can be replaced family photos,letters,heirloom items can not. Maybe you should watch the show "Clean House" or "Neat" that might get you going.

[pip]

I do understand how you feel. Just lately, and my kids are all teenagers, I've been able to let go of some things. Some things I just might end up holding on to.

[momofslg]

What about donating the toys and books to a battered womens shelter. Most of the ladies and children leave at a moments notice and only bring the clothes on their backs.

What a way to bring a ray of hope to those in need.

[yankeegal]

Not crazy.
Giving it to a childrens shelter or Ronald McDonald House type place will leave you with even better memories. You'll be surprised how good letting go & giving back can make you feel.
Louise

This is such a nice idea!!

[kaykwilts]

I get attached to things too but when I see the clutter I just chaulk it up and get rid of things before I change my mind.

[leezza]

Ms. Louise,

How about finding a new school teacher that has nothing.....teachers really enjoy having items for the kids to play with, and read......and it takes years for a teacher to collect and purchase all of those items : ) and a teacher would take really good care of the stuff also.

JMHO,
leezza

[lwlynch]

leeza that is a good idea i am going to call the school after spring break.. thanks..

[FrugalMomof3]

I agree with donating them to charity or even to your local childrens hospital