How do you help kids to overcome attachment of items you want to include in the sale that they’ve outgrown and no longer use?
Kids can be a challenge anytime, but how do you prepare them to part with their belongings, sometimes items they’ve grown up with and grown to love when they’ve outgrown them? We interviewed several people who both have children and experience helping them overcome emotional attachment when it comes time to preparing their kids and items for garage sales. Here’s what they recommended:
Andrew Schrage of Money Crashers says, “Letting go of old clothing outgrown usually isn’t an issue. With toys, however, it can be tough. I would simply explain that in order to be able to afford new toys, we need to sell some older ones. This usually does the trick. Also, by asking when they last played with a toy, you can give them some perspective. If it has been more than a month, they may realize on their own that it’s time for the toy to go.”
Stacy Ross, founder of San Diego Bargain Mama agrees and says having a conversation with kids on their level beforehand is important. “They will have to be more focused on the rewards of purging than the loss of the item. If they are saving money for something in the future, this is the image that should be reinforced. If they have outgrown clothes or toys, then reminders that they will be upgrading is key.”
“Making the sale a fun family event is a great way to help your children overcome their attachment to items, says Joanne Rinaldi, a Certified Professional Organizer with Neat Freaks Professional Organizing LLC. Include balloons and colorful signs. Have a contest to see who sells the most. Go out for a special treat after the sale and the winner pays!
“Garage sales are a great opportunity to teach kids about detachment,” says Cristin Frank, a FamilyFun Magazine Craft Contributor. “Show them be how to be emotionally okay with getting rid of the clothes and toys that they’ve outgrown. Let them see another kid get excited about owning them.”
What things have you taught your kids about parting with items at a family garage sale? Share your comments with us below!