We clean and clean and clean and clean and sometimes don’t make a dent. It’s like shoveling snow in a snowstorm sometimes, you get done shoveling one side of the driveway, do the other side and the side you just finished is again covered with snow.
In our homes, it’s called clutter. We have so much “stuff” nowadays that it consumes our living spaces. I’ve become more merciless over the years getting rid of stuff that I don’t need or just takes up space, but what about the kids? When was the last time your child offered to get rid of some of his/hers things that they didn’t play with anymore?
Here are some tips on getting your kids to clean out their clutter themselves:
• Get a big box and place it in the middle of their room. Let your kids know that you are collecting toys and things for less-fortunate families and that you’re sure your child would like to donate. Ask them to fill up the box with everything they would like to give away.
• Have a routine. My older children’s birthdays are in October and November, with Christmas not far behind. In the beginning of October, we collect those items they no longer use to make way for new stuff. The beginning of December for those of you who don’t have late in the year birthdays is ideal.
• Lead by example. If you can keep your room free of clutter, so will they (most of the time).
• Make cleaning their rooms a daily routine. As soon as breakfast is over, they need to brush hair, brush teeth and make beds. It only takes a second, really, and once it’s incorporated into your morning routine it will be like second nature.
These are just a few tips to get your kids to get organized. You might need to help them organize their rooms the first time, but once it’s done, and it’s just maintaining, most kids will do it willingly because it makes them feel good.