To Donate or Not to Donate

When Seth was a baby, he and I attended a Mommy & Me program at a school in Great Neck called Open Door. We did it for two years, and it was a really positive experience. I can still think back to those days, when I carried him into the classroom in his convertible Graco carseat/carrier. I was a new mom with so many doubts, questions, etc.

Fast forward....Seth is now 4.5, and Open Door is holding a fundraising sale. I got an email requesting donations. Anything from costume jewelry to new clothing, to children's books, household items, and toys.....in good condition.

We've been storing all of Seth's old clothes, toys, baby supplies, and even his crib, in our basement, since his birth. We recently gave away some of the clothes to friends of Marc (my husband) with a young son. But, I find it challenging to part with things because there is such sentiment behind every article of clothing, stuffed animal, musical mobile, etc.

Yesterday, however, the spirit moved me, and I spent time going through boxes in the basement, and came up with a care package of books and baby toys for the Open Door sale. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of bringing the toys upstairs while Seth was awake, and he took an unexpected interest in a couple of items. He hasn't played with them in a few years, but suddenly he couldn't get enough of them.

He asked why I brought them upstairs, and I didn't have the heart to tell him I was giving them away to a good cause. So, I'm hoping that in a few days, he forgets about them. He has other baby toys downstairs. I didn't clean him out. But, there was something freeing about ridding a bit of the clutter. I just don't want to feel like a cruel mom, giving away Seth's old playthings. My own mom, may she rest in peace, threw out my old Barbie dolls, etc., and I only found out once I moved out of the house. To this day, I still regret not having a Kiddle or two from my childhood.

How long do you hold on to belongings from your child, as he or she grows? It's so tempting to want to keep much for posterity.