Why tidying up is good for kids: tips and advice

by Joost Nusselder Updated on: March 8, 2023

Helping to clean up is one of the best ways to teach them how to keep their own room in order.

It is important that you help them clean up and involve them, because that way they learn it themselves. It's one of the most important skills they learn and they can use it for a lifetime.

Let's see why that is.

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Cleaning up toys can be a challenge for children

Why do children find it difficult to tidy up toys?

Children especially want to play and often don't feel like doing their toys to clean up. For them, cleaning up toys is not the most fun activity and can feel like a tedious task. In addition, children often do not yet have the skills to store everything neatly. Finding the right storage space and understanding the functions of different storage systems can still be difficult for them.

How can you make tidying up toys fun for kids?

It's important to approach cleaning up toys as something positive. Make it a pleasant experience by working together and complimenting when things go well. Make it a competition to see who can tidy up the fastest or play a tidying up game.

What can you do if you can't clean up toys?

If tidying up toys doesn't work, reducing the amount of toys can help. This doesn't mean you have to get rid of all the toys, but you may be able to hide some and bring them back out later. In addition, it can help to look at the needs of the child together with your child. Perhaps there is a need for separate play corners or chairs to store the toys.

All in all, it's important to take toy tidying up seriously and make it a challenge together. It may take some time for your kids to get the hang of it, but with patience and persistence, you'll be fine.

Why is it important for children to learn how to tidy up?

Responsibility and independence

When children learn to tidy up from an early age, they learn to take responsibility for their belongings and their environment. They learn that once they are done playing, they should clean up their toys. This is an important lesson that they take into their adult lives. Being structured and orderly helps them grow up more confident and independent.

An orderly environment is necessary

Research shows that people feel better in an orderly environment. A tidy room provides peace of mind and gives a sense of order and control. That is why it is important to teach children to tidy up at a young age. In this way, they grow up in an orderly environment and are less likely to have a messy and disorderly household as adults.

Nice activity

Tidying up doesn't have to be boring. It can be a fun activity in which you as a parent involve your child. For example, start playing with a toddler by cleaning up the toys together. Allow the child to independently perform tasks such as watering the plants or setting the table. In this way they learn to perform tasks and take responsibility in a fun way.

Happier life

Research shows that people who have a tidy home are happier in life. By teaching children to tidy up, you not only give them an important life lesson, but you also ensure that they grow up happier.

When to start?

It's never too early to start learning how to tidy up. From a young age, children can already learn to tidy up their toys. Involve them in household chores and give them tasks they can do independently. In this way they learn in a natural way to take responsibility and to be independent.

How to motivate kids to help clean up

Start slow and build it up

If you have young children, it is important to realize that they cannot do all the tidying up tasks right from the start. So start with small tasks and build up slowly. This way they get used to the idea of ​​tidying up and see that it is an ordinary task that is part of everyday life.

Make agreements and give clear instructions

Agree in advance what needs to be cleaned up and give clear instructions. Explain why it is important to clean up and what is expected of them. For example, say, "Let's clean up the toy cars together before dinner."

Give compliments and rewards

Praise your children if they do a good job of cleaning up. This can be both material and non-material rewards, such as an extra bedtime reading book or an extra cookie after dinner. The reward system can help make cleaning up more fun and motivate your kids to keep helping.

Make it fun

Tidying up doesn't have to be boring. Turn it into a game and, for example, set a timer for five minutes to see how much stuff can be cleaned up in that time. Or put on some music and turn it into a dance party while you clean up together.

Let your kids help choose their own things

Let your children choose which things they want to tidy up and where they want to store them. This gives them a sense of control and responsibility over their own things, making them more motivated to help.

Correct and warn if necessary

If your children refuse to help clean up, confront them and explain why it's important to work together. If they continue to refuse, issue a warning and explain the consequences if they don't cooperate. Be consistent in this and show that you mean what you say.

For example, we always say that we can do it together now because I am there now, if they wait they will have to do it alone later. That usually works for us.

Start a rite of passage

If it's hard to motivate your kids to help clean up, start a rite of passage. This could include, for example, cleaning up together every Saturday morning before starting the weekend. This gives structure and ensures that tidying up becomes a habit.

It is important to realize that every child is different and some children may take longer to get used to the idea of ​​tidying up than others. Give yourself and your children time and understanding to get used to this. It is also important to remember that it will not always go perfectly and that mistakes are allowed. Talk about it and give each other space to grow and learn.

Tidying up is a skill that children need to learn

Why is it important to teach children how to clean up?

Tidying up is an important skill for children to learn. Not only does it help them keep their environment neat and organized, but it also benefits their development and well-being. Children who learn to tidy up from an early age become happier and more structured as adults.

At what age should children learn to tidy up?

Children can learn to tidy up from a young age. Once they start playing and their room is littered with toys, parents can start teaching tidying habits. It is important to teach children that tidying up is a logical and interesting way to discover the world around them.

How can parents teach their children to tidy up?

It is important to involve children in tidying up and show them how to do it. Give children clear instructions and be patient. Talk to them about where to put the toys and name the correct cabinet or box. It is useful to know which toy organizers are the most useful. According to the editors, storage boxes, separate storage areas for puzzles and booklets and a large storage box are one of the most convenient options.

How do you keep kids tidying up?

It's important to teach kids that tidying up is a habit they should keep up. Make it a regular part of the day and clean up an hour before they start playing. Make sure the storage areas are logical and that children know where to find their toys. If it turns out to be messy sometimes, you as a parent can help a bit. Children pick it up naturally and will eventually clean up faster and more pleasantly.

How do you motivate your child to clean up toys?

The challenge of tidying up toys

Cleaning up toys can be a challenge for young children. It can seem cluttered and overwhelming, especially if there are many toys and storage space is limited.

Set a good example

Children learn by watching adults. If you want your kids to learn how to clean up, you need to lead by example. Show that you clean up after yourself and that you take housekeeping seriously. When your kids see that cleaning up is part of the job, they'll see it as normal and be more motivated to help.

Use handy tricks

There are handy tricks you can use to motivate your kids to tidy up. Here are some examples:

• Make the toy cabinet convenient and accessible so that children can use it easily.
• Give your kids a reward when they tidy up the toys, such as an extra bedtime story.
• Use a timer to help your kids focus on the task and show them how much time they have to clean it up.
• Make agreements with your children about what the playroom looks like. Set rules for certain toys, such as houses or cars, and make sure there is a designated place for each toy.
• Plan a fixed time for cleaning up toys, for example just before dinner. This way it becomes a routine and children know what is expected of them.

Gradually

It is important to remember that learning to tidy up is a process and children need help to handle it. Start small and gradually work your way up to larger tasks. If your kids are used to tidying up their toys, they can also learn to tidy up other things, such as their room or the floor. Give them time and space to learn and grow, and be patient and supportive. Before you know it, they'll no longer turn their noses up at tidying up their toys and have a sense of pride and confidence for having done it themselves.

At what age can children learn to tidy up?

Young children and tidying up

Children can learn to clean up from an early age. As soon as a child can walk and grab things, they can learn to put these things away again. It is important to teach children to tidy up at a young age, because it teaches them responsibility and helps them to think in a structured way.

Children from four years and clean up

From about four years old, children can independently tidy up their room. It is good to teach children at this age how to tidy up their things and where to leave them. It is important to make tidying up fun and enjoyable at this age so that children see it as a positive experience.

A handy system for storing toys

Why is a toy storage system important?

An overcrowded room with toys can be overwhelming for children and it can be difficult to keep things tidy. A toy storage system can help keep the room organized and teach kids how to tidy up.

Which materials and textures ensure that children quickly learn to tidy up?

When choosing materials and textures for a toy storage system, it is important to consider what appeals to children and what entices them to play with. Clear bins or boxes with pictures of the toy on them can help to find the toy quickly. Also, bins with different textures and weights, such as soft fabrics and hard plastic materials, can encourage children to put away the toys.

What is a good example of a toy storage system?

A good example of a toy storage system is to use open shelves with clearly labeled bins or boxes. This makes it easy for children to find and clean up the toys. It can also help to categorize the toys, for example by having a separate box for cars and a separate box for dolls.

Any other toy storage tips?

Of course there are other tips for storing toys. For example, it can help to have a "come back" bin to hold toys that have not been put back in the right place. It can also help to get rid of or donate toys that are no longer used. The most important thing is to find a system that works for the child and to involve the child in the process of tidying up and organizing.

Help, my child can't tidy up!

What if your child finds cleaning up too complex?

Sometimes tidying things up for kids can be too complex. They may not know where to start or they may not understand what is expected of them. It is important to be patient and help your child understand what is expected of him or her. Explain clearly in advance what needs to be done and possibly give an example.

What if your child is too lazy to tidy up?

Sometimes your child may be too lazy to tidy up. It is important to make your child understand that tidying up is a skill that he or she must learn. Explain why it is important to clean up and what the benefits are. Point out to your child that mastering this skill will make them arguably more successful in school and in their career.

What if your child doesn't know where to start?

Your child may not know where to start cleaning up. It's important to help your child understand where to start. Give clear instructions and point out to your child that it is important to first divide the big problem into smaller pieces.

What if your child is embarrassed about his or her messy room?

Sometimes your child may be embarrassed by his or her messy room. It's important to help your child understand that it's normal to have a messy room from time to time and that it's okay to ask for help. Tell your child that you are always there to help and that you understand that cleaning up can be difficult at times.

What if your child is constantly distracted while cleaning up?

Sometimes your child may be constantly distracted while cleaning up. It's important to help your child focus on cleaning up. Explain that it is important to finish the task before doing anything else. Give your child a place where they can work without distractions, such as a desk or table.

What if your child doesn't know how to keep track of what needs to be cleaned up?

Sometimes your child may not know how to keep track of what needs to be cleaned up. It's important to help your child understand the importance of keeping track of what needs to be cleaned up. Make a list of tasks that need to be done and have your child check off what has already been done.

What if your child sees tidying up as a complicated task?

Your child may see cleaning up as a complicated task. It is important to make your child understand that tidying up is a skill that he or she must learn. Explain why it is important to clean up and what the benefits are. Point out to your child that mastering this skill will make them arguably more successful in school and in their career.

Conclusion

It is important to teach children to tidy up at a young age so that they grow up with an orderly environment and feel better.

It is important to motivate them and help them see cleaning up as a fun activity, where you play together or make a competition.

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.