O.K its raining outside and I have 3 boys aged 6, 3 and 7 months. The older two have turned the house into a tip with all their toys (they can't play outside so what else to do???) I just yelled at them and told them to clean it up a bit, as I had to step over all the mess with the baby in my arms. But now I feel guilty. Kids are kids, which is why I am wondering. Am I being harsh expecting young kids to keep their toys cleaned up after playing with them, or should I let them have the mess??? What do you think?
2007-01-19 17:39:03 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
I think kids should be able to make a mess when being creative, for instead doing an art project, but they should also be taught responsiblity by having to pick up after themselves. As far as strewing toys all over the house, my kids have always had to put away their toys when they are done playing with them, before they get out something else to do. That way, there is never a struggle to do a big pickup.
2007-01-19 17:43:57 · answer #1 · answered by dancin thru life 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, probably was a bit harsh, but understandably so, since you're all cooped in the house. We've had 3 inches of ice on the ground for a week, with snow coming tomorrow, so I feel your pain! I'd let the kids know you're sorry (if it happens again) that you yelled, but that they do need to pick up their toys before they get out anymore. At those ages, they'll need reminding pretty much each and every time they get toys out, and the 3-year-old will likely need help to put things where they go. Either help from the 6-year-old if he's willing, or from you. And getting comfortable with a little mess goes a long way in making a happy momma!
2007-01-20 02:00:21 · answer #2 · answered by littleangelfire81 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I normally don't let my kids make a mess bigger than they can clean. I control this by dividing their toys into containers and making the rule that they can have one container at a time then they have to clean up one mess before asking for another container. It's nice because once they learn this I don't have to nag them because they know what is expected and the mess isn't so daunting.
I don't think you are being too harsh, but I do think that a little mess when you have kids cooped up in the house is expected and I would try to let some of it go or you will go crazy.
2007-01-20 01:46:52 · answer #3 · answered by wendysorangeblossoms 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In preschool and elementary school they would be required to pick up their toys. Also, keep their toys in their bedrooms....that will help alot...my kids lose toys they drag out...after one...come and get this toy warning its gone. For little ones, i never take something for a long long time...they forget the punishment...i put somewhere they can see it but can't take it...that way they have a longing for it. Another thing i personally noticed is that kids have too too many toys. I bagged up everything but 8 toys each..now i should clarify..hot wheels counted as 1 toy....and stuffed animal-dolls one toy too.but a large helicopter toy was 1..but boy is my life wonderful!!! they can easily clean up that amount...
I never have to assist them...life is great...and every once in a while we go out and trade a few...
btw...forget guilt-based parenting it will ruin your life....you did what you did if it doesn't work for you...then try something else. Your not perfect. But the important thing is...you are thinking of solutions...and trying them
good luck!
2007-01-20 01:52:15 · answer #4 · answered by Chef Susy--Cookin it up! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can make a mess but limit it to an area or room in the house so that you can safely walk thru without falling with your baby. Teach them now...while they are young...to put toys away when they finish playing with them. Make a game of it...like "let's see who can pick up the most toys in 5 minutes"
2007-01-20 01:44:12 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are capable and old enough to pick up their mess. It is better to teach them young, than to try to teach them when they are older. One thing that does help is to let them play with one game or toy at a time. They have to put it away before getting someting else out. That way they are not overwhelmed with the mess they have made when it is time to clean it up.
2007-01-20 01:44:10 · answer #6 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no i have 4 kids girl 13 and 3 boys 12,9,4 always have them pick up there toys if not there will not want to do it when they get older, try having then pick out a movi to watch or play video games together or play a board game with them put the baby in a play area if u have one or in the swing. hope this helps
2007-01-20 01:45:38 · answer #7 · answered by ninie420 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the rule that we had growing up and the rule that we used for our kids at the daycare that is used to work for is to clean as you go....you are only allowed to have one thing out at a time...if you decide to play with something else you need to put what you have out first...this teaches kids responsibility and respect...also you can try putting the toys containers....several small toys in each that they can play with at one time when they get tired of those they can get another container or box...teaching you kids how to clean up after themselves now will help you out in the long run...also if they do make a huge mess...make clean up time fun...put on a special clean up song or make it into a game...you wouldn't believe how much fun and less stressful clean up time can be
2007-01-20 01:52:35 · answer #8 · answered by crazychick1466 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 6 year old is more than old enough to pick up after himself. The problem is you need to instill tidyness in them at a young age. When they are old enough to walk is a good time. If they can walk they are capable of carrying a toy to the toy box.
2007-01-20 01:44:08 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
At three and six, they are old enough to be expected to put away their toys. Don't expect them to do it without being told, and don't expect them to be able to do it without specific direction. You can't simply say, "Clean your room!" You'll have to say, "Ok, clean up the Legos. Now clean up the cars." It may take a long time, but their future wives will really appreciate the effort you put into them now! LOL
2007-01-20 01:42:53 · answer #10 · answered by Meg M 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋