How to train kids to be tidier!

[SnoopyLovesYou]

Hello all!

I have very messy children. 6 and 4 y.o. Clothes thrown at feet, toys left everywhere, demands on me all the time.

HELP!

There is no quick fix.

You just always ask them to tidy up and be prepared to hold things up until it is done properly.

They are quite young to process the task of tidying a whole messy room but you can talk them through the task bit by bit.

If they have to pick up everything they throw on the floor every single time they will start to realise in the end. If you do it for them they don't learn.

If they ask you to do something make the answer "Of course I will, just as soon as you have put those toys/clothes away."

You have to be consistent and calm. That is hard work. Good luck

Thanks for those! All tips appreciated! Sticker charts no good as never remember to put stickers on!

Don't let them get anything else out until the toy they were playing with has been put away?
Also,.. teach by example - Make a point of letting them know when you are putting YOUR stuff away etc.

Have their stuff organised so its easy to tidy it up. Or just drawers to dump everything in.

Work on the pavlovian approach by having a tidy-up song? Agree with Miaow that you have to be more specific than just saying 'tidy your bedroom' at this age. A more tangible reward (chocolate button)?

we always do 'tidy up time' and i start this by clapping and saying in a loud voice - tidy up time now - my youngest isnt ever keen to do anything but as long as i see some effort i accept it as he is only 2! my oldest is a gem and even tidies his crumbs on the table after eating :)

Whatever we are doing next ie. eating, watching a cartoon - everything STOPS until the tidying up is done. If you continue in this then they will not be surprised and expect it. We also have set boxes that things belong in so they know the routine and exactly where the items are kept.

It is best to get them into this routine whilst they are young.

All I expect of my kids is to chip in - I also get involved but not until I see them do it first. My oldest even says help me mummy and I show them that I am actively tidying up the cars etc.

Big kisses and hugs afterwards for being 'good boys' - high 5's etc. In your case OP you can big boy/ big girl. Mummy is very happy.

my 4 years old can tidy away

we have a tidy away before next thing rule, means I'm not constantly tripping over stuff

me and dh try and be tidy too