organizing your kid's room

Have you ever walked into your child's room and made the statement, "It looks like a tornado came through here?" Cliche, yes - but said often my millions of parents. We must realize that it is our duty as parents to be an example to our children in every area - as well as being clean and organized. We need to show them and teach them to take care of their things and to keep their room picked up.

Now, this doesn't mean they can't make a mess while playing. That would be almost impossible, as well as unfair. Even we, as adults, make messes while we are cooking, doing crafts, paying our bills, etc. So, it's not the making a mess that's the problem, but the picking up afterwards that needs the attention.

Children should learn (which means they must be taught - it doesn't come by instinct) to take care of their belongings. When you have a nice suit or expensive shoes, maybe even a nice throw blanket - you wouldn't think of just tossing it aside to get wrinkled, dirty and stepped on. No, you would take care of it, hanging it in the closet, putting the blanket back on the chair, folded. So, we must teach our kids to do the same. It's good for them to learn how to 'respect' their things so when they are older, it stays with them. They will learn to appreciate cleanliness in their room when they are taught young. It also creates a better atmosphere (for all ages) when they aren't surrounded by clutter and disorganization.

Teach your kids that everything has a 'home' and when they are done with it, they need to put it back. They may be children, but they are capable to picking up after themselves. No parent needs to become a maid to their children. This obviously doesn't apply to younger ages who aren't yet able to comprehend the concept of picking up after themselves, but you will know when you're kids are able to understand.

MAKE IT FUN! When starting to teach your kids about keeping their room clean - make it fun. It doesn't have to be a boring, dreaded thing to do. Start them on a reward system for doing chores. As they get older, you can gradually stop this - or you can keep it going. Even a teenager wouldn't mind a trip to Dairy Queen once a week for keeping their stuff in order. Young ones may like stickers, so start a sticker chart and put a few sticker on everytime they pick up their room. When the sheet fills up - reward them with a special toy, Dairy Queen, a new book, etc. They'll start keeping their room spotless before you have to tell them to.

*Some people feel that kids don't need to be 'rewarded' for doing things around the house. Before you rule this out keep this in mind - even we, as adults, reward ourselves with new clothes, a nice dinner out, a new movie or music cd.