What to Do When Your Children Refuse to Clean Their Room
Children can be messy and refuse to clean up their own stuff. I have three children, and many times they avoid cleaning up after themselves. In addition, they have failed to keep their rooms orderly on numerous occasions. If no consequences occur when kids refuse to keep their rooms clutter-free, they will continue to live disorderly. When your children refuse to clean their rooms, try the following five things to prompt them into action.
Stay on top of things by paying attention and being consistent
The first step to putting an end to dirty living spaces is to check them daily and stick to any rules you have put in place. This can be very difficult, especially if all of your kids have rooms that are upstairs like mine do. It is also challenging when you work because the last thing you want to do at the end of the day is come home to find a filthy room. Still, if the problem is ignored it will only get worse.
Temporarily take away their belongings
When children refuse to clean their belongings, temporarily take them away by putting them in trash bags and storing them in your room, the garage, or the attic. This works well for young children who don't pick up their toys, but it also works terrific for teens who leave the bathroom a wreck. I have taken away my teenage daughter's hair straightener and other bathroom items on many occasions.
For each new thing they get, they have to get rid of one old item
Let your kids know that for each new thing they get, they have to get rid of one old item. Rather they get a new toy or a necklace, something else has to be given away or thrown away. This will force kids of all ages to think about what they use and what is just taking up space.
Make older kids purchase their own things
Make preteens and teens purchase their own makeup, jewelry, and other items that they desire to have. Make them use allowance or money from a job if they have one. This will teach children responsibility. In addition, older children will take better care of items they had to work hard for.
When all else fails, throw it away
When everything else fails, throw away toys and other belongings that were not picked up as they were supposed to be. This may sound harsh, but if children have been warned and refuse to listen, it will definitely get their attention. If teenage girls don't clean up their makeup and it has to be thrown away, insist on them earning their own money to replace it. The same can be done with teenage boys who don't clean up after themselves.
More from Rebecca Bardelli:
Put a stop to spoiling your youngest child
5 ways to prevent children from playing parents against each other
Published by Rebecca Bardelli - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle and Sports
Rebecca is a freelance writer who is passionate about writing. She has been writing for enjoyment most of her life. She has content published on Yahoo News, Yahoo omg!, and Yahoo Sports. She also took j... View profile
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11 Comments
Post a Commentgood writing here :)
Great tips. Thanks for sharing!
excellent! i just go on a "trash it" rampage. if they dont clean their rooms, i start throwing stuff away. they dont like it at first but then realize how nice it is to have clean rooms. the key is doing it as often as necessary. they keep their rooms fairly clean to avoid another "mom clean up" session.
another tip, mostly a note to myself... "lead by example" :) awesome article
All common sense. As a step-mom have had to do some of these things. Thanks for the article.
Good tips for parents.
I like the idea of taking something away if they don't clean their rooms.
Good advice, Rebecca!
I've always loved the idea of "when you get something new, give something away"...such a great lesson!
Agggg it is one of the worst. I have a teen son who thinks picking up his clothes is mom's job and mom's job only