#HipNJ’s Maria Falzo invited Evelyn Cucchiara – better known as the Toy Tamer – to her home so they could discuss how to organize a child’s play area.
Cucchiara is a mother of three. She helps other mothers organize playrooms using what she calls the S.A.N.E. System (Sort, Arrange, Name, Everyone). This system relieves stress and eliminates “mom guilt.”
Here’s how the system works. Start by going through all the toys you have; get rid of anything nobody wants or needs. Then acquire the proper storage supplies: small drawers and storage units. Mark these storage units with labels. Keep your children involved during the entire process so they can help keep the playroom clean.
Cucchiara expressed how important it is to create a system that makes children want to clean up after playing.
“We want it to look good, but we want it to function,” Cucchiara said. “Most importantly, we want the kids to be able to put the toys away, not you.”
Cucchiara first met Maria three years ago. She recently helped Maria straighten up her basement, creating different zones for different toys and activities (the music zone, the car zone, the game zone, etc.).
If you’re a parent who needs help organizing your child’s play area, you can email Cucchiara at evelyn@thetoytamer.com. You can also follow the Toy Tamer on Instagram (@thetoytamer).
