Things You'll Need:
- Bookcases
- Plastic Storage Drawers
- Toy Chests
-
Step 1
Announce to your toddler that it's time to clean up toys. Have a specific place to put the toys - either a plastic tub or a toy box. Place it in the middle of the room you are cleaning.
-
Step 2
Say "Look at this mess. I wonder who will help me?" as you are setting the container down. Make similar comments or sing a cleanup song until you gain your child's attention. Use a happy tone of voice and make positive comments about cleaning the mess.
-
Step 3
Pick up some toys on the floor and place them in the container. Continue with positive coaxing or singing.
-
Step 4
Ask your child to (please) pick up a specific toy as you pick up more toys. Thank your child when he or she places the toy in your hand or in the container.
-
Step 5
Prepare a consequence for not helping. A timeout or the withholding of a treasured item or activity are common negative consequences.
-
Step 6
Warn your child only once of the consequence and how long it will last if your child will not help. Follow through with the consequence if your child does not help.
-
Step 7
Continue picking up toys following the above steps until all of the toys are picked up.









Comments
baticua said
on 7/20/2009 I told my boys that whatever is on the floor will be thrown into the trash. There rooms are pretty clean now!
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 My sons are 2 and 4. We race to see who can put the toys away the fastest. They enjoy beating mom at this race.
Anonymous said
on 11/22/2005 Zero in on a category of toy that is out every day. Pick up that toy with them (like "trains") before bed. Soon, they will notice if trains aren't picked up before bed. Now, introduce a second toy (like books, or blocks), and so on.