What do you do when Grandparents don't listen?

How do you deal with gifts that do not follow the simple rules?

There are a few things we do here when gifts are given that are not exactly what we as parents were hoping for. We HATE things that make noise around here, and things that take batteries are also high on our list of no-no's.

1. If the toy can be used with out batteries, such as our sit and spin, we just never put batteries in it. What they don't know can't hurt them right?
2. If it's possible to remove the batteries and still use the toy, we tell the children that the batteries died, and we no longer have that size, but look at what you can do with out it, and proceed to show them how to play with out batteries.
   
3. If nothing can be done without batteries, there are two options:

• If it's worth the hassle and the noise, then we allow playing with it at special times. Such as the children's Leapsters and Jack's favorite drive and idle bus.
• If it's not worth the hassle and the noise, then batteries are removed and child is told toy broke, or are given the opportunity to donate said toy, or it is somehow removed from our home.

I know that all sounds rather cruel, but in reality, they don't NEED toys that make noise or light up or what ever. And mommy and daddy deserve at least as much consideration as the children when it comes to making decisions about what stays and what goes in our home.

Be sure to check out Does Grandma Need a Gift Guide? and the GrandKids Gift Guide for lots of hints and tips!