Many children and adults alike hate having to spend time tidying and cleaning. Children who have not had a routine of needing to tidy before may feel that it is unfair that they now have to help out. However, encouraging a child to learn to keep their possessions stored correctly and safely now may find it easier to look after their home and belongings when they live independently. In addition to that, it also shows them the importance of pitching in and helping, as part of family life.
How Can I Get My Child to Tidy Up?
Bedroom furniture
Awkward beds or furniture items, as well as those out of reach, may prevent your child from tidying up as much as you might like. Choosing beds for a child’s bedroom that will be easy for them to make, including changing bedding sets, as an example, can leave less room for excuses when it comes to tidying up their belongings. Other storage solutions can also be used, such as wardrobes where the rail is lower than a standard one, or even drawers that are within a child’s reach. Boxes can also be used for toys, and shelving for books. By keeping all of your child’s possessions in their bedroom, this can limit the amount of clutter found in other areas of the house meaning that, should they not tidy up, they will be the only ones affected by large quantities of mess.
Reward systems
You may have previously used reward systems to help encourage positive behaviours in your child, such as when toilet training, or even to curb backchat. These same reward systems can also be used to help your child associate tidying up after themselves with nice things. You could start by setting small goals, such as simply needing to make their bed each morning, and reward this with simple treats, such as pocket money, or a trip out to the park. In time, you can add additional goals and targets, until they are able to keep their room tidy independently. While positive rewards can help, you may also want to consider teaching your child that their actions have consequences, such as that toys left out may get vacuumed up, or broken. Although this may not be pleasant for you, or your child, it can give your child a bit of education regarding how the world works, and that the things they do, or don’t do, can have an effect on their life.
Broach discussions
Sometimes, it can be better to discuss issues with your child, rather than simply issuing orders. By having a conversation regarding what you expect of them, as well as why it is important, your child may be more likely to engage with what you are saying. This can also help them to voice any queries they have, as well as to come to an agreement on what will be done.
Getting a child into the routine of tidying up after themselves may be a long process. Eventually, they should be aware of what is expected of them, as well as know how to put it into practice.
