Simplify environment — no new kid skills
Let the calmer space do the work.
You don’t have to finish this whole card. If you’re wiped: just remove one annoying toy and watch your kids play for 30 seconds. That counts.
Remove 50-75% of toys (or until 5-min cleanup is possible):
| Keep | Remove |
|---|---|
| Favorites + open-ended | Broken, outgrown |
| Blocks, art, dress-up | Battery toys, duplicates |
| Books (rotate) | Conflict-causing toys |
Do it during nap/screen time. Store in rotation boxes.
Pick ONE routine:
Make it visual: 3-5 pictures in order (photos or drawings).
Notice kids playing 30-60 seconds without intervening.
Just observe. No fixing.
Fewer toys = fewer fights.
Toys that still cause conflict → “vacation” (remove them).
Environment feels calmer. Fewer toy conflicts.
Step 3 • Phase 1: Regulated Parent, Safer Home