Organize Your Family

Happy to Help

Kids live as members of households and as such they need to understand from an early age that they're responsible for what they own and what they use. If your children are old enough to understand "put the blocks in the box," they're old enough to help. Make it clear that you expect your child to clean up the toys she uses. But do so without making it sound like a dreadful task. Don’t start bargaining: "If you clean up your toys, I’ll read you a book." Your child is not doing you a favor. Instead, channel Mary Poppins and say, "Let’s get this puzzle cleaned up so you can read that book!" If your children need more motivation, challenge them to do it fast or well, and compliment their work once it is done.