Why do my kids only ask for things when I get rid of them?

[ChristusG]

The girls have had a Play-Doh ice cream making set for like 3 years. They haven't touched it in probably a year. It just sits there. They play with Play-Doh but never touch the ice cream making contraption. It's awkwardly shaped and wont fit anywhere so it's been sitting on the top of our dryer for years. Also, Play-Doh gets caked inside and it is impossible to fully clean out.

 

Well, last week I finally threw it into the trash. I hate clutter and that thing has been driving me nuts.

 

Today, the girls are playing with Play-Doh. As soon as I hand them their Play-Doh, DD7 says, "Where is that ice cream maker? I just saw it on the dryer last week."

 

:glare:

 

Seriously? You don't play with it for years and then some sort of 6th sense alerts you when it is no longer in the house?

[Chris in VA]

That's so funny! Maybe you can give them some other tools--garlic press, brown paper they can make small cones with, etc.

 

I think it's in the same catagory as me throwing out some small appliance, like a juicer or something, and then somehow I "need" it suddenly!

[eternalknot]

Murphy's Law!

 

My parents used to -and still- do this with things I collect and leave around their house. Random things that eventually become a part of the landscape, and so are easier to ignore on a conscious level. Then once those things are moved, the subconscous perks up and notices it's gone and naturally then you want it back :D

[~Tara~]

Ugh. YES!

 

I can never recall specific instances when called upon like this, but I can confidently say YES! that happens here too. Amazing! :glare: