People Are More Important Than Things

January 25, 2025

It’s easy to say people are more important than things. We all believe it—until a child spills juice on the carpet, or we snap at someone for interrupting our phone game, or we get caught up shopping for a new car while neglecting family time.

At Crazy Cool Family, we’re all about putting people first, and one of our daughters, a mom of four, has a brilliant way to teach this to her kids: toy jail.

What Is Toy Jail?

When her kids fight over a toy—especially after the post-Christmas toy frenzy—she sends the toy to a designated “jail” spot. Why? Because fighting over a toy shows it’s become more important than their sibling. In her home, sibling relationships come first. If a toy disrupts that, it’s temporarily out of play.

To get the toy back, her kids must show they value each other more than the toy. This sparks conversations where they work through conflicts or choose to play with something else. Either way, they learn to prioritize relationships over possessions.

Applying the Principle

This isn’t just for little kids. For teenagers, maybe it’s their phone that goes to “jail” (or a creative name you choose) if it’s constantly pulling them away from family conversations. Try setting a phone-free dinner table or putting devices away an hour before bed. The key is to tie the consequence to the principle: family relationships matter more than things.

And parents, you’re not off the hook! Model this by putting your own “toys” (phone, laptop, etc.) aside when they distract from family time. Let your kids call you out—it’s a fun way to show you’re all in this together.

Heart Over Things

Even when a child spills ice cream in the car or breaks a glass, remember: things can be replaced, but your child’s heart is priceless. By consistently choosing people over possessions, you teach your kids a lifelong lesson about what truly matters.

Want to learn more about putting family first? Read the full article at Cross Timbers Gazette and discover practical ways to make relationships the priority in your home!