We all know that play is children's work, and they use it to make sense of the world around them. When we ask them to put things away, they become easily overwhelmed and frustrated.
Here are a few tips on how to make this task easier for them.
- Provide spaces and storage solutions that are clearly labeled to put items where they belong. (Baskets, shelving units, and see-through bins are fabulous.)
- Provide only a small number of toys and switch them out once you notice that your child has lost interest.
- Establish different areas for art/writing, building, dress up clothing by creating corners with visible dimensions by using a rug or other visual divider.
- Give your child a 5 - 10 minute reminder that you are expecting them to clean up.
- Ask them what items are most important to them, but limit the number to 5. These 5 items should be within reach.
- Keep the clutter in the room to a minimum and choose earth-tone and muted colors to keep children from becoming overwhelmed by too many colors and patterns in the room.
- Give them a chart they can follow, measure their progress, and keep a tally of a job well done.