March is not getting off to the start I had hoped. Though I had planned ahead, I feel behind, but I just need to get warmed up. In fact, a little more heat to these rainy 30-40 degree days would brighten my day. 😉

With the sun out this morning, my spirits are lifted, and I’m ready to attack the day. With a list of items to do, I am starting with my least favorite item on the list. When I get that task done, the rest come easy, and I get more done.

Using this same mindset in keeping up our household, I have isolated four annoyances in our home that prevent me from using time wisely. These annoyances, or problem areas, distract me from other projects as I am constantly fixing or addressing these items.

During the month of March, I will share these annoyances with you (one per week), and how fixing them is helping me in using time wisely. Today, I begin with our collection of swords and batons.

Part 1: Swords and Batons

Having a designated place for each of my children’s toys increases the likelihood that the toys will find their way home after play. I am learning that the easier it is to put the toy back, the greater the chance it will happen voluntarily.

For example, housing Matchbox cars in a box with a lid is easier to open than the car carrier that requires adult-help with the latch.  Once I moved the well-loved cars to the box, my preschooler willingly puts the cars away – when reminded, of course.

The Annoyance

For our collection of swords and batons, I originally had them propped up behind the workbench. This option worked when there were three items. However, as the collection grew, so did the frustration as they did not stack vertically. So, my children just tossed them into a pile somewhere in the vicinity of the workbench. (You know where this is going, don’t you?)

As the family moved about the living room, we all tripped over the swords sticking out of the overflow. Realizing that I kept moving these toys and rearranging them, I decided that I was tired of wasting my time fixing this annoyance multiple times a day.

My Current Solution

To solve the mound of swords and batons, I knew I needed a container to hold them. With the odd shapes and bent tips, I knew a basket or bucket would not work. In addition to needing a container, I wanted something that looked decent for the job.

Not having a container tall enough, I decided to create my own solution. I cut open a cardboard box, re-shaped it, and taped it closed with duct tape. I then placed all the swords and batons into the box. Cha-ching!

Since showing my children the new arrangement, I have not had to pick up one sword or baton. Yay! They play and put the toys back into the box. Besides a specific home, they can quickly find the one they are seeking as all the items are vertical rather than horizontally tossed in a pile.

Working through the annoyance of our swords and batons took a little creativity, time, and energy. But in exerting those efforts, I continue using time wisely without tripping over these toys and getting frustrated with picking them up repeatedly.

As you look about your household and discover one or more ways in which you address the same annoyance over and over and over again, see if you can find a way to solve the problem permanently. Doing so may encourage other family members to help more and enjoy the benefits of playing at home. Happy solving!

Question: What annoyances are located within your home?