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A common question from parents is “How do we teach our child to put their toys away?” Here are few tips from UTSLC to help your child learn the life-long skill of organization.

Lead by example
Don’t wait until your child has moved on to another toy or until they have gone to bed to pick up. Doing so could lead them to believe that it will always be done for them. This does not need to be limited to toys either. Make sure your child sees you cleaning up and keeping the house organized. You may even be lucky enough to have them offer to help! 

Help them understand why
It’s no secret that children are known to ask “why,” maybe even a bit too often. But the reason is simple, because they want to learn. When it comes to putting things away with your children, don’t wait for them to ask the “why” question. Help them understand the reasons why things should be picked up. Explain that “the toy box helps the toys from getting lost so that they can play with them another day.” It may seem like it is going in one ear and out the other, but stick with it and you may be pleasantly surprised one day when your child is explaining the reasons back to you during a cleanup! 

Designate “Cleanup Time”
Just like you teach other routines such as brushing their teeth before bed, washing their hands after going to the bathroom, or bringing their dinner plates into the kitchen when they’re finished dinner, be sure to make cleaning up a regular part of their playtime routine. For example, if you are giving your child an hour to play, be sure to get them into the routine of the last 10 minutes being cleanup time.

Be positive and have fun
That’s right! Even something like cleaning up can be fun. Whether you put on fast, silly music or have them dance as they take toys back to the toy box, always do something to make it fun!

Be consistent
As with anything, consistency is key. However, consistency may require time management on your part. For example, if you have to leave at 3pm for Grandma’s house, you can’t lose track of time and tell your child to clean up 5 minutes before you have to leave. This could create a situation where you end up skipping cleanup time as though cleanup time is optional. Don’t break the routine, be consistent!

Under the Sun Learning Centers is committed to a lifetime love of learning for our students, their parents, and our entire staff. Learn more about our programs or stop by one of our locations in Stratford, Marlton, or West Deptford, NJ.