New Toys and Organization

by Dawn Hong
owner of Capitol Nannies, LLC

Happy New Year!!! Making a fresh start is what this time of year is about. It’s also the perfect time to clear out those toy boxes and play rooms to make room for the pile of Holiday gifts.
As a former nanny, I always took this time of year to clean our broken toys, replace dead batteries, and organize all of the pink and blue minuscule people that have collected at the bottom of the toy box and belong in the game of LIFE box.
It’s best to empty out the bins, boxes and shelves, and jump right in. Keep a trash bag for broken items, another bag for items outgrown or just not played with. These items should be left for parents to decide what to do with them. Most toys aren’t able to be donated to Goodwill, etc because of recalls, but your employers may know a friend or relative who may need some items. Be sure to wear gloves when handling batteries, as some may have exploded and be leaking battery acid. Those toys, should be disposed of. You can contact Waste Management and request a battery disposal kit. This prevents toxic batteries from making their way into the landfill.
Once the old and broken toys are cleared out, it’s time to give all storage areas a thorough wipe down. Younger children’s toys could do with a wipe down with an antibacterial wipe or a soak in a sink with 1/4 c bleach to 2 gallons of water. Reassemble the room by organizing toys, games, and crafts in their appropriate places.
This is one job that will almost always make any mom do black flips. A great way to kickstart a new year!

Capitol Nannies, LLC is managed by owner Dawn Hong. Dawn  relocated to Washington D.C. to pursue a career as a professional nanny. With more than 13 years of experience as a nanny, and also receiving her B.A. in Elementary Education, she was offered the opportunity to work for a premiere nanny placement agency in Washington, D.C. She has gained more than 7 years of recruiting experience. Becoming a mother and returning back home to West Virginia, prompted Dawn to open a nanny placement agency in the Charleston area. She has the advantage of her nanny experience coupled with understanding the needs and concerns of parents. Her experience is what allows her to make the thoughtful matching of the parents’ needs with the nanny’s needs and level of experience. Dawn is passionate about providing quality childcare.