Myths & Facts #2: Clean Up Time

Myth: "My kids always clean up diligently after they play. I have a tidy, organized play space."

Fact: Most kids, like most adults, are less excited about clean-up than about mess-making. Diligent clean-up is a fairy-tale, unless there is a housekeeper involved.

...So what do we do? First of all: lower your expectations! The main point of teaching your child to clean up is just that: teaching. It's not about the results, but rather the process. Do not expect a cleared, organized space, but rather a child who understands the principles of responsibility and respect (for her space, other people's needs, etc.) This doesn't mean you should clean up for a minute and move on, of course. But it does mean that you need to remember that it's about your child's growth and education and not your well-kept home.

And the best way to teach him about clean-up? As Mary Poppins pointed out: "...find the fun and snap! the job's a game". There are many tips on how to bring out the fun involving clean up. Here are some ideas, but you need to embellish and see what works for you and your kids:

-Crank up the music. Make it into a hip-hoppin' dance party, where the toys are props that are tossed into their boxes to the beat.

-Find the hidden pennies. In big messes, you can hide pennies (or M&Ms, stickers, or other prizes) and create a challenge to see who can collect/find the most hidden treats while tidying.

-Get down with it. A great way to encourage your kid is to work alongside with him. Have a conversation, transfer clean-up time into an opportunity to chat about your day or tell a story.

-Sportscast the "game". Grab a spoon as the microphone and pretend to give a "play by play" account of the clean up, filled with jokes and silly commentary.

-Race. Keep tabs on how long it takes the child(ren) to clean a room and try to beat your own time OR race against Mommy to see who can clean up fastest/most etc.

-Create excitement. Make up a story of why it's "so important" to clean up "right away" - for example: "oh no, little bear wants to go to sleep! We'd better clean up the room so we can take him upstairs!"