5 Tips to Help Your Child Keep Their Room Clean
You just cleaned your child’s bedroom 2 days ago and already it is a mess. You constantly tell your child to put their clothes away and to clean up their toys, but they just don’t listen. Your child throws everything on the floor. When you ask them to clean their room, they say they will in “a minute” but it never gets done. You have tried to punish them but that doesn’t work, and it just leads to an argument which is the last thing you want to deal with.
Below are 5 tips on how to help your child keep their bedroom organized so that you don’t have to constantly clean up after them and have one less thing to worry about.
1. Use Labels
Labels are your best friend. Designate a specific location for each item that your child possesses so that they know exactly where it is supposed to go. Involve your child in the process of placing labels with the name or image (depending on the child’s age) of the item in the location it is supposed to go in. Labels make it easier for your child to clean up as well as locate items. You may want to use clear containers or open buckets to assist with organization and make it easier and quicker for your child to clean up.
2. Declutter
Some children do not know where to start when it comes to cleaning up their bedroom. They have too many things.Their clothes and toys are all over the floor. Every time you go into their room, you try your best to walk around everything so that you don’t trip and fall. Your child’s closet is a mess. There is nowhere to put it all!
If your child has way too many things that it becomes too overwhelming or difficult to organize, donate these items to a friend, family member or someone in need. Go through your child’s clothing and get rid of any clothes that no longer fits them. Involve your child in the process of deciding which items to donate and to whom.
3. Model
Be sure your bedroom is nice and organized. You can’t expect your child’s bedroom to be tidy if yours is a complete mess. Show your child what a clean room is supposed to look like so that they know what your expectations are.
4. Set a Routine
Establish a routine in which every day at the same time your child takes 10-15 minutes to clean their bedroom and place everything in its designated spot. Make sure your child’s bedroom is nice and organized prior to them going to bed each night. In the beginning your child may need reminders until they get used to this new routine.
5. Provide Encouragement
Encourage your child and acknowledge their efforts. Do not be critical. It is a struggle for kids with ADHD to stay organized and it will take time for them to be consistent in keeping their bedroom clean. Try and be patient. Look for opportunities to provide your child with positive feedback (i.e. “I like how you placed your toy cars in the bin labeled “cars.” They are very organized.”).
Janine Kelly, MSW, LCSW, RPT, CATP, ADHD-CCSP, CCATP-CA is a Registered Play Therapist, Certified EMDR Therapist, and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Middlesex, NJ. Janine specializes in childhood anxiety, childhood OCD, childhood trauma, and supporting children who experience neurodivergence such as ADHD and Autism. She also specializes in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders such as anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, depression, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
*This blog is not a substitute for therapy. To schedule an appointment, please click below.
