Get your child to put away toys and things. 4 parenting tips.

It’s amazing how quickly a child can turn a spotless house into a disaster zone. Children are wired for chaos. Their busy little minds are always so excited they jump from one thing to another in seconds leaving mounds of debris in their wake. Help your child manage their mess with the following parenting tips and tricks.

1. Reduce your child’s toys and belongings.

It’s very difficult for parents to not buy another cute stuffed animal or another educational toy for their children. It’s downright impossible for grandparents to resist the urge. And all the cute animals and educational toys add up to fill entire rooms that you, the parent, has to clean, organize and put away. Make it easier for your child to put away their things by reducing the amount of things they have to manage. The fewer toys your child has, the faster and easier they can keep their room, and the house clean.

2. Add it to their chore list.

A chore list is a way for your child to manage their responsibilities and understand what you expect of them. If you don’t already have “put away toys and things” on your child’s chore list, then now would be a great time to do so. As they achieve, you can reward them from a universal wishlist to keep the good deeds coming.

3. Use a reward system.

A reward system can be as simple as a sticker chart or more complex using an app. Keep track of every night your child puts away their toys and things. After five times, they get a reward. Just try not to use more toys as their reward. Learn more about reward charts.

4. Pick up as you go.

Instead of waiting until the end of the night to pick up every single item your child dragged out, start encouraging your child to put away things immediately when they are finished. Remind them to not get anything else out until they’ve put something away. This way there won’t be so much to put away at the end of the day.