Does this sound familiar?You are not alone.
This is a common question voiced by parents around the world.
Unless something is done early on it only gets worse as they move into the teenage years.
What can be done?You've tired nagging.
You've tried grounding.
You've even tried pleading, though you may not admit to it.
Here are some ideas to help you motivate your child to keep their room tidy and clothes in the closet where they belong.
By starting at an early age you can avoid the teenage disaster zones that have been foretold.
Three great ways to motivate your tykes to be tidier are to give verbal encouragement, make it fun, and reward them for a job well done.
Studies have shown that kids respond more positively to words of encouragement instead of criticism.
Think about the kind of encouragement you appreciate from your boss or co-workers and pay it forward to your kids.
Praise them when they do remember to clean up or at least get something on a hanger.
Remember to be sincere.
Keep from going overboard and gushing praise; you risk creating the opposite effect.
Encouragement can also include explaining the benefits of having a tidy room, such as being able to find toys, having space to play, and making it inviting for other kids to come over and enjoy.
Kids are more likely to participate in clean up if you make a game out of it.
A great clean up game to play with younger kids is to have them clean up things in categories like colors, starts with, or sounds like.
You will need to start out playing the games with them until the clean up becomes a habit.
Make the closet a fun place.
Decorate it with their favourite theme.
Closet organizers help make sense out of the mayhem of clothing.
Standard hangers may not fit your kids clothes, however many stores now carry children's hangers more suitable to a smaller garment.
These also come in different colors or themes and make sorting clothes easier.
Create colourful tags and label drawers and shelves for shirts, pants, and sweaters.
You and your child can have fun creating a progress chart.
Hang the chart on the inside of their door so they see it before they leave their room.
Each time they put away their clothes, hang up their shirt, or put dirty clothes in the hamper a sticker goes on the chart.
The chart will help you and your child keep track of their progress and let them know how close they are to receiving their reward for a job well done.
Everyone likes to receive gifts, but a well earned reward is a lot more enjoyable.
Rewards don't always have to be toys.
Other ideas might include a trip to the children's museum or science center, a night at the movies, or a slumber party on their tidy bedroom floor.
This may seem like a lot of time and effort on your part, but consider it an investment.
In the long run you will have helped your child to develop lifelong organizational skills.
Keeping a room clean doesn't always have to be a chore.
Encourage and praise your kids when they do clean up, make it fun with games and decor, and help them chart their progress and reach their goal.
You might even have fun too.