If I could go back and redo my kids’ toy collection, I’d do things so differently. And if you’re just starting your parenting journey, I hope this post gives you a little clarity before the toy overwhelm sets in!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by clutter, struggling with independent play, or just looking for a fresh perspective on family life, I encourage you to start with one of these books. They may just spark a transformation in your home, just like they did in mine.

As parents, we want the best for our children—opportunities to learn, play, and explore. But in our well-meaning efforts to provide, we often find ourselves drowning in a sea of toys. The overflowing bins, the scattered puzzle pieces, the untouched plastic gadgets—at some point, we start to wonder: Do our kids have too many toys?

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of toys in your home, you’re not alone. And if you’ve noticed that your child flits from one toy to another without truly engaging, you’re onto something important: less is often more when it comes to play.