Ways to Keep the House Looking Tidy
Having kids can be hard on a house. Having five kids can be
dangerous on a house. That's why I have come up with these few
simple steps for a tidier house. I have sat the kids down and
went over these sets with them so they will know the rules and
what they are expected to do.
1. If they get out a toy/game they can not get out another one
until the first one is put away. I mean out away where it goes.
We don't let up on these rules. So everything has its place and
needs to go there.
2. If a toy/game is left out and they bring out another
toy/game, then that child has to put away all his toys and loses
his play time for a while.
3. If they take off shoes, coats, book bags, ect. Those items
are put away immediately. Not later or in a minute but right
then. That way when they go looking for that particular item
they know exactly where to go and find it. It also helps the
look of the house.
4. I have set a time out every week that we all as a family
check under beds, toy boxes, closets, drawers, or any where
there can be trash or odds and ends that don't belong at that
particular place and we place it where it goes. I know that kids
will not be perfect and will tend to put things in the first
place they come to. So that is the reason behind the once a week
look through.
5. Organization is the number one key factor in having a tidy
house. Try to organize toys, games, and coloring books in their
own special place. That way when its time to put away the
toy/game the kids know where exactly to put it. If you allow
them to just have everything piled in one area then it will get
junky looking really fast. I feel organization can be helpful
with this.
6. If a toy is broke at our house it goes in the trash. Even if
its my child's favorite toy I have to throw it away. Sometimes I
have to hide it but it goes straight into the trash. A broken
toy isn't going to help anyone. It might even hurt someone.
7. We have a rule here at our house for every two toys that are
brought into this house a old toy has to go out. That way we
don't get over populated with toys and have no place to put
them. I like every other parent want my children to have every
toy on the market but room just does not allow it. I am very
firm on this. The kids do learn to share and compromise. It also
allows them to make decisions on their own.
If you go by these simple rules and be sure to go over them with
the little ones can make a BIG difference in the looks of your
home. Just discipline your self and the kids to follow these
rules and you will be well on your way to a tidier home.