1.  A Manageable Mess:  Once a mess becomes too large, no one wants to clean it, including me.  So, I have all of our toys, games, and books divided up into containers.  The rule is that each child may play with one container at a time.  When they are done, they must put everything back before moving on to the next container.

This method is great because at no point is the mess so large that it is unmanageable and our house is always moderately clean – just in case the neighbors pop in!

2.  Off to the Races!  Often, my kids would drag the cleaning of large messes out all day.  As long as I was watching they would clean, but the moment I left they would lose focus and begin playing.  Also, they cleaned at a snail’s pass, hoping that if they waited it out, one of their sibling would eventually finish the job without them.

That is why, instead of “cleaning a mess,” we head “off to the races!”  I set a timer and give everyone an area to clean up.  Whoever cleans up their mess first wins the race!

3.  Repossession or Reward?  When my children forget to put away their toys, I simply repossess them.  Once a toy is repossessed, my children must buy it back with Popsicle sticks or by doing an extra chore.  On the other hand, if they do keep their toys tidy, I reward them with Popsicle sticks or an occasional treat!

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