How to get your kids to help tidy the house…and have fun doing it! (Part 2)

Here's the second half from last week's post.  The results can be worth the effort!

Make each child successful - 

-Little ones can do lots of basics, like putting all of one type of item in a container.  Building blocks, playing cards, puzzle pieces, and even game pieces can be sorted individually into a pile by you or an older child, then put into a large box or tub by the younger child. After that, you can transfer the toys to the proper container, which may be harder to manipulate.

-Young elementary children can put away specific types of items (all of the stuffed animals, plastic toys, clothing, etc.) with prompting.  For some kids, it's especially important to allow them to focus only on one kind of item, as they can be overwhelmed by the disorganization of messiness.

-Older elementary kids and teens can take care of miscellaneous items and things which require decision making, like whether a piece of clothing is clean or dirty.  They can also be asked to vacuum or dust after the team cleaning is over.

General Things to Remember:
-It's best to give the kids a heads-up before starting clean-up:  "After snacks, we're going to do some pick-up and earn some quarters, okay?"  Then, at snack time:  "When we're done, we'll do our clean-up and make some money...very exciting!"

-Choose a time when everyone is fresh and no one is hungry or out of sorts. 

-Stop when you feel the momentum slowing down, especially the first couple of times you try it.  If the memory of "fun tidying" is actually fun, it'll be easier to convince everyone (including yourself) that working as a team is the way to go.

Reality Check.  

The day I was originally supposed to post this blog, I had plans for the kids and myself to tackle the house and "have fun doing it."  It was a disaster!  The kids were tired, I was irritated, and we only picked up one room of the house...begrudgingly...instead of the several I had planned. Life works to keep me humble, that's for sure!  But, I'm happy to say we tried again a couple of days later and we were back in our groove. 

I'd love to hear how it works for you...keep your chin up, give grace, and remember...it doesn't have to be perfect!!

Blessings,
Stephanie