Do yourself a favor....
Notice that a 2 year old plays totally differently with toys than a 3 year old. I had the privilege of helping pick up after a 2 year old today. The room was all clean and within minutes the book case was emptied and the various containers holding blocks and play food etc were strewn across the room. That is what 2 year olds do. They like to "dump and strew". They can play with blocks for a few minutes and then their little hands just start to push and scatter, knocking down everything in sight.
My suggestion to moms of toddlers is to put "messy" toys up out of reach so that they can be gotten with assistance and picked up before the next toy is taken out. Realize also that toddlers are not "into" toys so make it easy on your pocketbook when it comes to birthdays and Christmas. They need bigger things that are good for large motor skills. Stuffed animals, a dryer box to play in, dolls etc.
After 3 years of age you will find that the fine motor skill will start to develop. Matchbox cars will become an interest. Smaller blocks and puzzle pieces will not be so frustrating. Children will learn to play by themselves better and their imaginations will start to grow. You will be able to direct and reason with your child alot easier at these ages and they will be able to pick up much better by themselves. Still, watch and take note of what toys are working and what are not.
Don't feel like you cannot return a toy if it is being overlooked or not going to be of interest to the child (they are too expensive to just be kicked around a broken) or perhaps you would just stash it away for a later time. Remember the suggestion about a box of "rainy day" toys to be gotten out when you have depleted all of your resources. Also keeping a box of toys in the attic and switching them out every 4-6 months really works well too.
Have fun! Do yourself a favor if these "little" pieces are driving you crazy and just collect them and put them away for another time.
Blessings!
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