How to Get a Child To Clean Their Room

Every parent has told their child to go clean his room. That's a very general statement that most children find extremely overwhelming. Children are taught things from birth on into adulthood. When they are very small, parents teach them in tiny steps and marvel at every little thing the child accomplishes. Why then, do we give them such generalized instructions as, "Go clean your room?" Even adults are overwhelmed with large unfamiliar tasks and sometimes just stand there, wondering where in the world to begin. Keep this in mind with your child or children and help him to learn the steps to cleaning his room.

Things You'll Need

• Laundry basket
• Trash bag
• Patience

Instructions

How To Get A Child To Clean his Room

1. Set a small laundry basket in the middle of the child's room. Ask the child to gather all of the dirty clothes he can find in the room and place them in the basket. Tell him you will be back to get the basket in fifteen minutes, and then leave the room. Take a trash bag with you when you return to check on the progress. Praise the child for a job well done and set the laundry basket in the hallway.

2. Offer to hold the trash bag for your child while she gathers up all of the trash in the room. Sit on the child's bed or in a chair while you hold the bag. The child will feel like you are helping her, even though you are really just supervising. Compliment the child on what a great job she is doing, or how nice the room is starting to look.

3. Tell the child that you are going to help him by taking the trash and the laundry where it needs to go, while she picks up her toys and books. Be specific by telling the child to put the toys in the toy box and the books on the shelf while you are gone. Bring the vacuum cleaner back with you. Don't point out that the books aren't straight or piled neatly on the shelf, just be glad they are on the shelf instead of the floor.

4. Offer to vacuum for the child, but express your concern that you might accidently "suck up" a toy if they are not all picked up. The child will quickly rescue the rest of her beloved toys that remain on the floor. If the child asks, let her push the vacuum cleaner while you watch. Don't point out places she missed, just be glad she are doing it.

5. Express your appreciation for a job well done. Don't worry that things aren't quite as clean and organized as if you had done it. The child's cleaning abilities will increase with practice, and he will enjoy getting your praise and approval. You enjoy it when people compliment you on your home and hard work you put into it, so remember to show your child the same courtesy.

6. Reward the child. Afterall, we as adults reward ourselves by taking a coffee break or having a treat after we've accomplished a big job. Tell the child that both of you have earned a treat and sit down and enjoy one together. Help your child keep his room clean by giving him simple tasks. Be specific in the steps. Use terms such as fold your pj's every day and put them in the drawer, or hang your coat up as soon as you get home. Soon it will become such a habit for your child that he won't need a gentle reminder.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't point out what the child didn't do right, it will only discourage them.