“Clean Your Room” is the most terrible thing any kid can hear, and the most dreaded thing any parent can say. It often leads to insane fights, tears, shouting, and can be one the biggest struggles when parenting. I know when I was little, getting me to clean my room was like pulling teeth while herding cats. At the same time. I’m still a little messy, but I like to think that I’ve improved. The point is, kids will often not see the logic in cleaning (when they’re just going to mess it back up again) until they are much older. Fortunately, Ruth at Living Well, Spending Less has some tips to make the whole process a little easier (hopefully):
Set an Example I couldn’t very well expect my kids to keep a tidy room if I wasn’t willing, able, and downright determined to keep a tidy house myself.
Be Consistent We start our day by cleaning.For better or for worse, it has become part of our daily routine.
Be Firm I simply don’t take no for an answer. I don’t plead or waver or back down.
Get Rid of Excess Stuff Clothes & shoes that are out of season or no longer fit get put in storage or brought to Goodwill. Toys are still kept to a minimum. Papers & junky party favors or prizes are usually tossed immediately (when the kids aren’t looking!)
Make it Easy to Put Stuff Away My girls both know where things go because everything in their room has a home.
Make it Fun I will readily admit that I don’t always make it fun, but the days that I do are definitely far less painful then the days I don’t.