| If you have children, I am sure you are always looking | | | | or given to those less fortunate. If they pick up one |
| to find ways to get them to clean their bedrooms. I | | | | item per minute or more they win the game! If they do |
| have the perfect game to start getting their bedroom | | | | win you will want to lavish on the praise and possibly |
| clean. Because cleaning can be an overwhelming task, | | | | treat them to a healthy snack or treat. If by chance |
| and kids have a short attention span it is best to make | | | | they don't pick up one item per minute, you still need to |
| it as fun as possible and limit the time to about 10 to 15 | | | | give them praise for what they did pick up, and |
| minutes at a time. If you try to go any longer it will | | | | encourage them more the next time. This should not |
| seem like more work than play. You don't want this to | | | | be a game that involves punishment for not doing well. |
| become a whining and crying session, as it will be | | | | Sometimes they will get distracted and start playing |
| harder to involve them the next time. | | | | and forget what they are doing, depending on their |
| I call this game, "Beat the Clock"! To play the game | | | | age. This is the time you remind them the timer is |
| you will need a portable timer, two bags or two boxes. | | | | running and they need to get moving in order to "Beat |
| One bag or box is for broken toys or garbage that will | | | | the Clock"! Make it fun so cleaning is easy. |
| be thrown out, and another for unbroken usable toys | | | | If you establish this game at a young age you will help |
| to give away. With enthusiasm tell your child you will | | | | them develop a sense of ownership in keeping their |
| be playing a game called "Beat the Clock"! Let them | | | | bedroom clean. You will want to do this about once a |
| know that you will be setting the timer for a specified | | | | week or every two weeks. You may not always find |
| time (the time frame you think your child can handle) | | | | those usable toys to give away, but you can |
| and as fast as they can find things they no longer use | | | | incorporate this game to pick up the floor, or make the |
| or like. The purpose is to pick up at least one item per | | | | bed, or put dirty clothes away. And as they age, you |
| minute. For example for 10 minutes you would want to | | | | can use it for homework, although you will need to |
| encourage your child to find at least 10 items. If the | | | | adjust the time frame and reward. |
| timer is set for 15 minutes you would encourage your | | | | Kids like a challenge, and by finding creative ways to |
| child to find at least 15 items. When the timer goes off | | | | accomplish tedious tasks you are helping your child to |
| they are done. Remind them they are looking for | | | | succeed. Once your kids bedroom is clean you may |
| broken toys or toys they have outgrown or no longer | | | | want to purchase new kids bedding and kids bedroom |
| use that can be passed on to someone in the family | | | | accessories that reflect their unique personality. |