Disaster Zone!

    The dilemna :  My lovely daughters refuse to pick up their toys or their clothes.  Every time I walk into their room, it looks as if a huge tornado just went through.  I've spent hours helping them clean and organize, endless minutes showing them how to fold shirts and pants, how to hang their dresses... and yet, the result is the same every day : Danger: Disaster Zone!   We have disciplined them, taken toys, taken away snack, threatened to take away special events that were upcoming, but to no avail.  They can spend 2 hours up there "cleaning" and the room might actually look worse instead of better, when they're finished.  I cannot possibly use enough words to explain the frustration, stress, anger, and even hopelessness that I have experienced over this whole situation. So, I was praying, and telling my husband that something has to change... we need a God-inspired idea that will cause change.  

    The solution : That came in the form of my mother.  She brought some bins over, and said she will help me organize and take away everything the girls own for awhile.  We spent 2 hours yesterday just cleaning up the toys, separating them and putting them away. Today we will tackle the clothing.  The plan is to remove everything except their beds/bedding.  Each day they will have to come and get an outfit from me (my choice, not theirs to ensure they care and want the privilege of having their clothes back), and get their pajamas from me at bedtime.  After a period of time, we will put one outfit on their shelf,or in the drawer, so that they don't have to ask for it.  If they put it in the laundry at the end of the day, we will give two outfits back the next day. If they take care of that, another outfit will be returned, and so on.  The same is true with the toys - we will be giving them back one type of toy (i.e. kitchen set, baby dolls, books, etc.), play with them, teach them how to put it away properly, and then give them a chance to do that.  If they keep it put away, we will give back another type of toy.

     Next project : My son's room, followed by the toddler playroom, again.  We will be getting rid of some toys, as well.  That causes trouble, when the kids have too many things.  They simply don't know how to put them away, or keep them picked up.  It is overwhelming for them.  Heck, it is overwhelming for me, so I know it has to overwhelm them even more.  In the end, though, they are learning good life skills of organization and having respect for their possessions.  And, I am learning to be patient and teach them, instead of just getting mad about the mess.