Another tip, in the vein of prevention works better than dealing with a problem after the fact: Make sure the job of cleaning up isn't too overwhelming. Too many toys and awkward storage make picking up stressful. Kids avoid or give up if it's too hard.
Also, communicating, "I'm suffering, so you should, too!" is not an effective way to motivate kids to pick up. No healthy child is going to buy into that message–especially not older kids. We have to be careful not to equate mess with a lack of love or respect for us.
Another tip, in the vein of prevention works better than dealing with a problem after the fact: Make sure the job of cleaning up isn't too overwhelming. Too many toys and awkward storage make picking up stressful. Kids avoid or give up if it's too hard.
Also, communicating, "I'm suffering, so you should, too!" is not an effective way to motivate kids to pick up. No healthy child is going to buy into that message–especially not older kids. We have to be careful not to equate mess with a lack of love or respect for us.
Any tips for getting teenagers to clean up their rooms? 😤🤣