Bringing toys, blankets, etc

[mattsmom]

I only allow a blanket or doll for nap/quiet time only. Also in the summer and other school breaks, I will allow a game system for the school age kids to use first thing in the morning and when the little ones are napping. I do have strict rules about using the game systems, though, such as the volume is turned right down and if they are loud (yelling or making loud sound effects), they are put away.
I find that if you make the rules up front, then when they do show up at the door with a toy, you can say that you specifically told them that there were no toys allowed and give it to the parents to take with them. MY HOUSE, MY RULES!
The kids have more than enough toys to play with here, so there is no need to bring more toys into the house...it just makes more of a mess.