How to get kids to tidy up – without a fight

Toys on the floor, blocks under the couch, markers without caps. Tidying up is a daily source of conflict in many families. Here are some ways to make it easier.

1. Make it a set part of the day

Tidy up at the same time every day, for example before dinner or before bath time. When it’s a routine, there’s less to negotiate.

2. Keep it manageable

“Clean up your room” is too big. “Put all the cars in the blue box” is doable.

3. Put on some music

Can you finish tidying before the song ends? Music makes it more fun and gives a natural ending.

4. Turn it into a game

Who can find five red things? Can the teddy bear help? Can we drive the blocks home in the truck?

5. Help each other

Little children can’t tidy up on their own. Do it together. “I’ll take the books, you take the animals.”

6. A place for everything

Boxes with pictures on them make it easy for your child to know where things go.

7. Fewer toys out

The less that’s out, the easier it is to tidy up. Put some of the toys away, and swap them out now and then.

8. Say thank you

“Thanks for helping, it’s so nice in here now.” Your child should feel that tidying up makes a difference.

From My Mini Mindset

Want to bring the words into everyday life? Here are materials with your child’s name and a figure that looks like your child:

• The mini book “… tidies up”
• Evening routine poster