How to Encourage Your Teenagers to Clean Their Bedrooms

Some teenagers are indifferent about keeping their rooms clean.

Not all teenagers think it's important to keep their rooms neat and tidy. They always seem to come up with excuses for not making their bed or picking up their clothes. This can be frustrating for parents, especially if the rest of the house is kept up nicely. If your teenager isn't keeping his room clean, you can use several strategies to encourage him to do so.

Instructions

1. Tell your teenager what you expect out of him. Let him know that he must do certain things each week to keep his room clean, such as making his bed every morning, dusting his bedroom furniture once a week and picking up his dirty clothes. Help him remember what is expected from him by hanging up a cleaning schedule in your kitchen.

2. Set a good example. Keep the rest of the house clean by vacuuming the carpet, dusting the furniture and cleaning dishes. If you don't keep a tidy house, you can't expect your teenager to keep his room clean

3. Praise your teenager when she cleans her room. For example, say, "I'm very proud of you for cleaning your room. It looks great." Offering praise shows her that you appreciate her efforts. If she keeps her room clean for an entire month, buy her an outfit she's been wanting or take her to her favorite restaurant.

4. Discipline your teenager if he doesn't keep his room clean. Take away his allowance or do not allow him to go out with his friends. Be consistent with your discipline so he knows that you mean business.

References

• Family Education: Neatness Counts: Keeping a Teen's Room Clean
• WebMD; Every Mom's Germ Fighting Guide: How to Nurture Cleanliness in Your Family; R. Morgan Griffin