spoiling or keeping the peace

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
spoiling or keeping the peace
10
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 1:01pm

We currently have a huge Thomas train layout in our playroom.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-28-2006
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 1:26pm

Ya know I don't blame you one bit.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 2:06pm

Thanks.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-12-2007
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 2:42pm

Have you thought about getting a table for the Thomas the Tank Engine train set? I got a used one (saw on Craigslist) for $100. You can buy a brand new one (shipping included) for about $160-170. My sons love these toys and I have to have them out all the time as they play with them EVERYDAY since Justin was two years old. Both boys are really into trains (their favorite toy).

-- Innie

Lilypie 6th to 18th Ticker Lilypie 3rd Birthday Ticker
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 2:48pm

LOL, we have a table for our wooden train layouts...this is the TrackMaster track with the battery operated trains that is on the floor.

                                

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-25-2003
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 3:49pm

Heather,


You know there will come a time when the kids are grown and there are are no more toys. Then the house will be picked up and it will be probably as boring as all getout.


I say leave the thing there if he is enjoying it. I had a kid who hardly played with toys and it was soul destroying to buy stuff only to leave it is the closet for years and then give it away virtually untouched.


-Paula

visit my blog at www.onesickmother.com
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 4:01pm
I would do the same and just leave it out. If he plays with it all the time, it is more trouble to drag it all back out and set it up than it is to step over it now and again. I don't think its spoiling him by letting it stay out. There are plenty of other lessons to be taught in life and other opportunities to teach kids to pick up their belongings. I'd say keeping a train set out is not one of the more important ones to worry about. I say let him play. ;o)



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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2004
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 7:45pm

Agreeing with everyone else that I'd leave the train set out! If DH wants to be in charge of the pickup and putaway every single day, that would be one thing, but HEY! He's awfully free with volunteering your time, and there are other ways and times for teaching the put-away thing, when it isn't such a huge responsibility for YOU. I got your back on this one, girl.

We used to leave the Thomas up for a few days, but then we'd have to take it down, 'cuz our NYC apt. living room is also used for other things. Also, as boys got older, there had to be a re-design, but that was not ME doing the re-design! Hours of fun were had just doing the track designing.

I wonder if those days are completely done now (DS $ pals being big 10 year olds now). We still have all the wooden tracks in a big box...

Sara

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-15-2006
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 7:50pm

I don't think it is a matter of spoiling, it is a matter of practicality.

- Christina mom to-

Chloe (10)    Aiden(8)   

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2006
Wed, 01-09-2008 - 9:04pm

I think your picking your battles carefully. IF you child is enjoying playing with it and it's not being ignored, what's the problem?


We have a tent in our son's room......I was about to take it down and I saw he had pulled toys in there, so with that being said, I left it up. It may not be his favorite toy but when he's in his room watching a Thomas movie, he'll play inside the tent with his trains.....I see no problem with it.


As for the computer, I know all about that LOL.......he gets designated time like after bath and it's on a timer so he's not vegging out on that.


Leapster is the other "drug" of choice LOL, and that's down in our gameroom. He has to ask for permission cause I lock the gameroom door so he can't just go and do with out asking.


I set boundries.........the whole train that your son is playing with is abstact play, I see it as a good thing.


Good Work Mom
Nora

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-29-2007
Thu, 01-10-2008 - 10:30am

I havn't read any other replies yet, but I just have to say, IMHO: