As mums we are all too aware that kids can be messy. Like leaving the Lego in the middle of the hallway messy.
Unfortunately, as well as leaving sticky fingerprints everywhere, they also like to leave their toys and clothes all over their bedroom floor - preferring to leave the job of cleaning up to you...
But it doesn't have to be like that.
With the following six tips, you WILL be able to get them to keep their room in some kind of order - without the aid of a Mary Poppins!
1. Make it fun
Be your own Mary Poppins and try singing a cleaning song. There are plenty on YouTube and the kids will see the task as a game rather than a chore.
2. Have a place for everything
Storage is the key to organisation – if you have nowhere to put things they will inevitably end up lying on the floor or at the bottom of a press. IKEA have some great storage solutions for children’s rooms and there are also lots available online.
3. And put everything in its place
Show your kids where everything belongs: a dedicated drawer for toy cars, a special Lego box or a shelf for art supplies. This will make it a lot easier and quicker for them (and you) to clean up. Just remember, the clean up doesn't have to be perfect - it's the attempt to do it and keep doing it that matters.
4. Organisation chart
Kids love routine, so why not make them a schedule or planner so they can visualise exactly when they need to get things done? For instance, when they get up in the morning give them the task of making their bed and putting dirty clothes in the wash basket. But if that seems too much at 7am, just get them to at least open their curtains!
5. Specific clean up time
Set some time aside before dinner for them to put their toys away - this was they can relax before going to bed.
6. Do a big tidy up once a week
Why not set some time aside - 10-15 minutes - to do a weekly clean of your child’s room, WITH your son or daughter? This time can be used to root out the items that were missed under the bed during the week, hang up washing, vacuuming and dusting.
Kids love playing grown-up, and by getting them to take responsibility for their own space, you will be giving them a sense of pride.
