Mary Killen Mary Killen

Your Problems Solved | 27 December 2003

issue 27 December 2003

Dear Mary…

Q. My wife and I have been blessed with the arrival of a delightful baby boy. We have been inundated with soft toys from doting family and friends. We would like to do a cull and send many off to charities but don’t wish to offend the original donors, who may notice the absence of their expensive gift when next they visit. What do you suggest?
Q.R.F., Maitland, NSW

A. Cuddly toys nearly always need to be culled, since today most houses with children have an excess. Too many love objects can be a dangerous thing in the impressionable early years of life, as they will breed a Hugh Hefner-style bad attitude towards love and loyalty. Three toy love objects are quite enough for any child. However, to avoid hurting the feelings of the well-intentioned donors you should first take a photograph of each of the toys to be dispatched to a charity.

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