From what I've read around the mommy blogs, I'm not the only one who finds getting kids to clean up their mess can sometimes present a challenge. The Vikings are 3 and almost-5. And, I'm trying to teach the habit of cleaning up their toys and such. But, it was turning into my naggin/them whining and I needed a better solution.
Need a new strategy? Try this one:
About 2 or 3 times a day, I ask the Vikings to pick up: generally before quiet time, before DaHubby arrives home, and before bedtime. So, we've turned it into a game. We play this video which is just under 3 minutes - and, as I assured the Vikings, ANYONE can clean for 3 minutes! LOL
The idea is to "move it move it" as fast as possible (safely) while putting away as much as possible (where it belongs). Add those disclaimers or you'll have a mess and/or injuries on your hands! LOL
When we first started, one three-minute run though generally got the majority of the mess and I was happy with that. But, I was THRILLED later to find them playing the video 2 and 3 times (Flicka knows how to hit "replay" for YouTube! LOL) while they then asked for the hand-vac and kiddie vacuum! LOL Plus, I can now walk away while I clean up some of the "grown-up mess" while they clean up.
And, if you had enough of Madagascar, maybe try something else. There are also kid video sites in abundance like Qubo and Sesame Street videos among others.
Kids gettin' excited about cleaning up? Now THAT works for me! Stop by Shannon's today for more great WFMW ideas.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
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10 comments:
Love that idea! I run out of creative ideas and resort to nagging all too often. I'll have to try this one soon.
What a cute idea! My kids love that song, and I'd never thought of you-tubing it. I think I'll be trying this today :)
even for us we could do this - our daughter is turnugn 2 this week and could ealily learn some of this. thanks for commenting on my blog.
Great tip. We do something similar.
Great idea. Now to figure out how to pipe the music down to the basement playroom from the computer in the dining room!
I've got it! Put the baby monitor "baby unit" at the computer and the "parent unit" in the basement! Now this REALLY works for me! :)
Good idea to use for the future (my little one has just hit the stage of pulling everything out. I put it all back and she pulls it out again. I know it is just a learning stage but boy it can be frustrating! ;)
Genius! my 3yr old loves videos and this might actually get him to clean up a little with a good attitude.
That's great! I have to try this. :)
Hilarious!! My kids absolutely DIE when I sing that song. (their teenagers)
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