You know that feeling when your kids’ room like just like a tornado just ripped through it and you don’t know how to convince them to clean it up? Every parent is familiar with this feeling and there are a few tips and tricks you can use to motivate your little ones to clean up their messy room.
Help Them Get Started
Most kids don’t have trouble completing tasks, but getting started is a different story. That’s why it’s a good idea to give them a helping hand in the beginning because children often learn through modeling and enjoy collaboration.
…But Don’t Do it For Them
Giving your kids a hand to start doesn’t mean cleaning up the whole room for them. Doing this will work against you because your kids won’t learn it’s their responsibility to clean up after themselves and they won’t respect your authority.
Specific Tasks
Cleaning up can be overwhelming for your kids because their organizing skills are still developing. That’s why it comes in handy to walk them through the process and give them specific tasks and instructions that they can focus on.
Praise and Encouragement
Positive reinforcement works on everyone, including your kids, so make sure to praise them once they’re done cleaning their room and consider giving them tiny, yet meaningful rewards.