Is Limiting Toys Bad?

I just read an article on Pinterest of a mom justifying her decision in buying all sorts of toys for her kid, mostly at garage sales. Since minimalism is the new "fad" word in the field of parenting, her post piqued my curiosity. Really, there are benefits to kids having a lot of toys?!

One of the things that struck me was when she pointed out how kids who are always surrounded by toys aren't overwhelmed by them when they go to other places. Her comment made me think back at my own experience with my son when he stayed at a play area at the mall for the first time. We only spent an hour there, but I think he he did spend more time running around trying out as many things as possible rather than actually enjoying the toys. I remember the feeling of tiredness very distinctly as I chased him almost non-stop around the area. This made me recall farther back at the times we visited my friend's house whose daughter has a big collection of toys. My son, upon seeing all these nice beautiful things, proceeded to pull the place apart in an attempt to play with everything. So, I guess, yes, in a way, I do agree that kids who have less toys probably lose their heads when they are exposed to all these cool things while the "toy-filled" kids are less easily impressed.

The big question is: Is that a bad thing, though? The author's point seems to boil down in behavior; her kid is less overwhelmed by toys so she is able to control herself better in comparison to the "minimalist" kid.

However, I beg to differ. This is not some research-based argument but simply a parenting preference. I am not a minimalist parent, but I don't like having too many toys either.

Firstly, the mess is impossible to keep up with. We hardly have anything at home, yet my son still manages to leave chaos in his play area/living room. We still haven't achieved that room that looked immaculate and Pinterest-picture worthy. Imagine if that is filled with all sorts of contraption. The clean-up is probably an OCD mom's stuff for nightmares.

Secondly, toys aren't necessarily just kid's toys. From a kid's point of view, anything that they could grab or fit into IS a toy. In my son's case, he can be perfectly happy going in and out an empty box or use the wireless phone to "talk" with his grandpa. I've also spent countless of times scolding him for playing with the water hose or the alcohol bottle to wash/clean his hands. If he only had the words, this toddler will tell you that he has a LOT of toys at home.

Thirdly, I do prefer when my kid lights up because he is fascinated by new things at the cost of "misbehaving". I like that he is excited about the world around him: checking what other kids are doing and imitating them, getting mesmerized at fascinating lights and sounds, wanting to touch and taste things within his reach, and trying out items he has never seen before. Everything, as Marie Kondo would say, sparks absolute joy! I don't want him to grow up to be that kid who says he's "bored".

Lastly, when my son has absolutely exhausted all the items in the house as a plaything, you know what's next on his list? Yes, his mom and dad. Sometimes, it does get tiring after a day's work to play when all you want is to lie down in bed. But, as I mentioned before, my son is only going to be this age for a while and soon, he'd rather hang out with his friends rather than with me. For the meantime, the moments I am still considered the coolest thing on earth is precious and dear.