One Thing at a Time

I have realized that asking your child, of any age, to just "clean your room" is totally overwhelming. I don't even like to hear it. When I make my daily list, I try to break it down to one thing at a time. I might write that I am first going to pick up all the dirty clothes, then the toys, then sweep. I set a timer and try to get it done in a certain amount of time.

The same applies to my children. When it is time to clean rooms, I have them do one thing at a time. Sometimes, it takes us 3 or 4 days to get it all cleaned up but there is less contention in the process.

We usually start with dirty clothes and then books (we have LOTS of books). Doing it this way makes them feel less overwhelmed and capable of accomplishing a task and feeling good about themselves. Sometimes, it becomes a game to see who can pick up more.

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