Your child's floor can be a combination of clothes, toys, books and other items. If you ask him to pick these items up, yet always experience excuses or complaints, it's time to address your child's messy behavior. If children are old enough to pull clothing out of bins or a dresser, they are old enough to understand the importance of putting them in their proper place, according to Parents Connect. Establishing a routine of picking up clothes with your child can ensure his success in reducing clutter.
Step 1
Set aside a day when you and your child will organize her room together. This initial organization period is important because you are setting an example for how to put clothing away and what a clean room free of clothing on the floor looks like. This will set the standard for future times cleaning her room. Tell her you would like for her room to look like this all the time and that you know she can keep it clean, according to Michael Conner, Psy.D.
Step 2
Work with him to decorate a hamper or laundry basket to his tastes, according to Parents Connect. Paint pens, stickers or other decorative items can make your child feel as if the laundry basket is truly his.
Step 3
Play music as your child picks up clothes or create a song with her about picking up. You also can challenge her to a cleanup game to see how fast she can pick up, according to Parents Connect.
Step 4
Create a clean room checklist, according to Family Education. Post this checklist in a highly visible place in your child's room and reward him with stickers or stars for each time he does a good job picking up.
Step 5
Encourage your child to pick up on her own, and then let her know you will be looking to make sure she does the great job you know she can do. After she picks up, look over her room to ensure she has not organized clothing in the wrong place, according to Dr. Conner. Show her the correct places to store her clothing.
Things You'll Need
- Hamper or laundry basket
- Paint pens
- Stickers
