Making Clean-Up Less of a Chore

Even very young children can help out with clean-up. The truth is it's easier for you to just do it yourself, but it helps them feel independent and proud to have helped and learning to contribute is important. These pictures represent one way I've found to make clean-up time a lot easier. I have crates and plastic drawers with pictures on them so every set of toys has a place and it's easy to put away. You can also cover cardboard boxes with fabric or construction paper. Even my two-year-old knows where everything goes and can clean up quickly. I also like it because when other kids come over to play they can put toys away too. I also put up a peg board to hang dresses and purses. Clean-ups at our house are so much faster now. Another thing I do to keep messes to a minimum is to have them clean up the toys before moving on to a new activity. If they want to go in the yard, have a snack, watch a movie, get a game, I tell them to clean up the basement first (the playroom where we keep the toys). So they clean up several times a day, but it helps keep the mess from becoming too overwhelming (usually) and teaches them responsibility.

What are your clean-up tricks? Got a great organizing tip, game, or rule that helps your kids pitch in? Share your ideas in the comment section! Or if it's better explained with a picture, send it to my e-mail and I'll include it on the post.

Placemat Settings

Here's an easy and fun way to teach your kids how to set the table (and keep the table clean). I bought extra large sheets of construction paper for the placemats. Then I used our own plate, cup, and silverware to trace and cut (a necessity for OCD kids like my daughter who need it to fit just right). After gluing, I laminated the placemats. Learning is Fun had the best deal in Las Vegas for laminating because you do it yourself (very easy). Some places only laminate 8 1/2 x 12 paper so call and check before going. The laminating will allow you to wipe the mats with a sponge, but don't submerge in water.

Note: Seeing this is the Real Moms' blog I decided it was okay to have some crumbs on the table and toys and clothes in the background for my picture. Oh, and my daughter's hair is starting to fall out of her ponytail. Yeah, that's real life. I'm not perfect, I'm a mom :-)