How to Teach Toddlers to Pick Up Toys

Contributor

By Judy Ford
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Toddlers thrive on praise

Toddlers can learn to pick up after themselves. You’ll have to teach them by working alongside them. Here is how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Boxes or bins for toys
Stickers for rewards

Step 1

Cheerfully pitch in. Children as young as three can understand that helping around the house is a responsibility of every family member. They catch on quickly when Mom or Dad pitches in and works alongside. There are many chores to do together from making beds, folding towels, putting away socks and shoes, to picking up toys. Make your family slogan: “Let’s all pitch in.”
Step 2

Use a team approach. Don’t expect toddlers to clean up all by themselves. That would be too lonely and too confusing. Toddlers respond well to positive attention from Mommy or Daddy, so show them what to do by giving simple, friendly instructions such as “Let’s put the stuffed animals on the shelf" or “Let’s put the toys in the box.” The team approach keeps toddlers happily motivated while teaching the beginnings of organization. When you team up with your toddler they understand from watching you that each belonging has a special spot.
Step 3

Whistle while you work. Picking up toys can be fun if you’re singing and whistling. Barking orders makes everyone cranky and backfires with meltdowns and tantrums. If you want help getting the house spiffy, make it fun. Sing songs, make up riddles and take turns. “I’ll pick up the cars and you pick up the trucks.”
Step 4

Be pleased. Toddlers respond well to praise and encouragement. When you show how pleased you are with your toddler's efforts you reinforce a feeling of accomplishment and pride. Being pleased, smiling, giving a high five are simple rewards that will encourage willing participation next time.
Step 5

Keep it short, sweet and simple. Toddlers' attentions spans are short, so make cleanup time a short 15 minutes. Toddlers are sweet, so keep all instructions sweet too: “Honey, come help Mommy put the toys away.” Keep it simple: “Honey, put the teddy bear here.”
Step 6

Make allowances for meltdowns. Learning any new skill can be frustrating, so don't get upset if your toddler has a meltdown. That's to be expected. Make allowances for off days and the crankies too. We all have them. "Are you having a bad moment? Take a break and get back to it later."
Step 7

Follow up with hugs and more praise: “Thanks for helping me.” Give hugs and smiles: “I appreciate your help.” Reinforce what they've accomplished: “The room looks so neat.” Remind them: “It’s so much fun to work together. You’re such a cheerful helper.”

Comments

2enjoylife said

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on 9/22/2009 Oh yes! Great suggestions for starting these habits young! We used to sing something like,"Clean up, clean up, everybody everywhere...." ;)