In many homes there is a mysterious, potentially dangerous, looks-like-a-cyclone-struck-it nether world inhabited by the small people of the family.  And the condition of this room(s)  can be a major source of…hmmm…shall we say, disharmony.

There are of course two schools of thought here.  If you don’t firmly subscribe to one or the other, perhaps now is the time to think things through.

Some parents consider their child’s room as their own private space to be kept to his own standards.  They usually would prefer a picture perfect room, but they know they have to pick their battles.  If this is you l, simply shut the door and, more important, “zip you lips.”  Depending on their age and temperament, natural consequences will usually force them to take some action periodically.

On the other hand, you may feel that since the bedroom is a part of the family home it should be kept up to family standards.

No right or wrong here.  But the more resolute your viewpoint, the more successful you will be either in enforcing order or ignoring the whole mess.

Bringing Order Out of Chaos

1. If you’ve decided the kid’s room has to be brought up to family standards, here’s some suggestions for making the job easier for both of you.
2. Insist that the room is cleaned up before dinner, screen time, story time, weekend activities or whatever else works.
3. Reward a job well done with a star on the chart, a small treat, or with points towards something she wants.  This can be done on a regular basis or by surprise inspections.
4. If you have professional housekeeping help–and we hope you do!–make it the rule that the room must be straightened or it doesn’t get cleaned.  This can work wonders especially if Occupant is then responsible to clean everything himself!
5. Emphasize they must feel to have everything orderly, be able to find everything, etc.  Acknowledge that this is no easy task, but it sure does help out the family, makes you proud, keeps the health inspector from the door…you get the picture.

Be sure to read our next post, “This Kid Has It Easy” for suggestions to make it easier for kids to keep things (reasonably) neat and orderly.

Hey, Savvy Reader!  Do you have something to add to the list above?  We love your ideas.