Encourage Guests' Kids to Clean Up Toys: Tips and Strategies

As a seasoned professional in children's work for over 40 years, I've developed effective strategies to encourage kids to tidy up toys and maintain a clean environment. Here are some proven methods to help you ensure that your guests' kids contribute to keeping their space clean before leaving.

Engage Older Children Directly

When dealing with older children, it's crucial to address them directly and use their names. This personal touch helps establish a sense of responsibility and cooperation. For instance, you can say, 'David, I need you to...,' or 'Chris, could you please...,' or 'Anna, would you please help me to...'. By making them part of the task, you're fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility. Surprisingly, this approach often elicits immediate and enthusiastic responses.

Utilize Psychology and Set Expectations

One of my favorite techniques is to make the task of cleaning up a part of the normal visit experience. For the first few visits, you can introduce the idea early on by saying, 'You're most welcome to come and play, but before you go home, you will have to help to tidy up the toys.' This sets clear expectations and makes the task a natural part of the visit. Over time, these kids will internalize this as a norm. Once they've done it a couple of times, they'll automatically clean up when it's time to leave, without even thinking twice about it.

Implement Engaging House Rules

To establish a clean and organized environment, it's important to communicate house rules clearly. Whether you're dealing with your own children or your guests' children, it's crucial to outline the expectations, especially when it comes to cleaning. You can post friendly house rules such as hanging up coats and picking up toys, along with other good manners like saying "please" and "thank you." When the kids see these rules posted, it serves as a visual reminder of what is expected, making it easier for them to comply.

Engage the Kids in the Process

Instead of trying to encourage kids to do something, it's often more effective to make the task an enjoyable activity. Encourage everyone to clean up after playing. This not only promotes a tidy environment but also teaches the kids the value of contributing to a shared space. If the kids aren't present, set the expectations before they come over, so they are fully aware of what is expected of them.

Respond Positively to Rejection

When a child declines the task, it's important to handle it gracefully. If they say, 'No, not now - I don't feel like it,' you can respond with, 'Well, you don't have to feel like it. You can do it without feelings.' Offering this perspective helps demystify the task and reduces pressure. A light-hearted and humorous approach can also make the task more palatable.

Conclusion

Getting kids to clean up toys is not only about maintaining a clean environment but also about instilling a sense of responsibility and contribution. By using these strategies, you can make the process enjoyable and engaging for both the kids and the adults. Remember, consistency and clear communication are key to making cleaning a fun and routine part of your guests' visits.