Clean Up

Lately, getting the girls to pick their toys and messes has been like pulling teeth.  I hate nagging and I know it’s important for them to learn how to follow instructions the first time, not depend on me to remind them, or wait for me to get angry.   This week I finally stumbled on an idea that seems to work great with no nagging.  I set a timer for 10 to 20 minutes (depending on the size of the mess) and tell them they have until the timer dings to put away all their toys.  When time is up, I come through with a plastic garbage bag and fill it with anything that’s been left out, and it stays in the garage for 24 hours.  The next day, I bring out the bag, dump it out on the floor and set the timer again.  Anything not picked up by the time it dings goes back in the bag and out to the garage.  This seems to be especially effective with Amanda, who has a tendency to get easily distracted and gets really upset when a favorite toy has to be confiscated for awhile.