I could go down a number of paths under the title of this post, but this entry is specifically about housekeeping.
Our boys share a bedroom. It's a nice bedroom, actually the original master. They have their own full bathroom and a walk-in closet. But any kid's bedroom, regardless of size or available storage space, can become a disastrous mess.
It's not the kids fault. Our boys are actually quite good at picking up their toys and keeping the room neat, however, it can't happen without some help from you and I don't mean cleaning for them.
THERE HAS TO BE A SYSTEM
A place for everything and everything in it's place!
In order for our boys to be successful at this there must be a designated space for everything. If this is not established they end up tucking (or even cramming) books, toys, etc. into any available slot, shelf, box or hole creating a clutter perimeter. This eventually becomes cripplingly overwhelming.
Beyond the unappealing aesthetic, the biggest issue here is the inability to find anything. Parts and pieces of 100 different games and toys are hidden all over the room and it becomes very frustrating for the child(ren) to play.
By establishing an organized system and creating it with your children involved in the process, most of this problem is eliminated.
Our kids like to have things neat. They like how it feels when their room is clean and organized and they like being able to find their things. They need help getting started, but once an easy to follow system is in place, it is surprising how good they are at maintaining it.
THE STORAGE SPACES
Space is like time and money, if you don't keep track of it and use it wisely, it just goes away.
Decide what will fit neatly into each existing cupboard and drawer.
Install some additional shelving at a height that can be easily reached by your children.
Buy sterlite containers.
A giant toy box in the corner of the room is a terrible idea. When told to clean the room, children will just dump everything in the box. Leggo pieces, dolls, tea set pieces, musical instruments, puzzle pieces, etc. become unretrievable without dumping the entire mess back on the floor. Instead, purchase sterlite shoeboxes (about $1 apiece) and keep toys separated and easy to access.
Larger toys can go in cupboards or be displayed on shelves. Larger buckets or those cans people give you popcorn in at Christmas are great for TinkerToys, Lincoln Logs and train sets. These can sit in designated places in the room very neatly.
The most important thing is that the kids know where everything goes so that when they pick up there are no questions. The task becomes fast and easy!
LABEL EVERYTHING
It is crucial that everything is labeled. This helps younger children with reading/ letter recognition and eliminates any confusion about where things go.
In our house it is important that both boys have their own things (they are expected to share A LOT) so certain drawers/containers are labeled with their names. These are their own private spaces for things.
Puzzles and games should stay in original boxes most of the time and go on a designated shelf. These boxes are usually a manageable size and stack neatly. Things like Leggo kits get transferred to their own labeled plastic shoebox. These shoeboxes (which I LOVE) stack very neatly.
DADDY'S JOB
We clean the boy's bathroom (for now, they are only 4 and 7) and we vacuum. We expect the boys to keep things neat and dust. We do not require made beds unless we are expecting company, but if they wanted to make the bed I wouldn't argue.
Things have to be reasonable, we have high expectations but understand the boys limitations.
These limitations are lessened by building a system that gives them a fighting chance.
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