How to Help Children Keep Their Bedroom Tidy: A Practical Guide for Parents
Keeping a child’s bedroom tidy can feel like a never-ending battle for many parents. Toys, clothes, books, and random bits of paper seem to multiply overnight, turning what was once a neat room into a chaotic mess. However, teaching children how to keep their bedroom tidy is not just about maintaining a clean space; it’s about instilling life skills that promote responsibility, organisation, and independence. For children with ADHD, developmental delay, or autism, this can be even harder. In this blog post, we’ll explore effective strategies to help children develop good habits for keeping their bedrooms tidy, making it a task that’s manageable and even enjoyable.
1. Start with a Clean Slate
Before you can teach your child to maintain a tidy bedroom, it’s important to start with a clean slate. Take a day to thoroughly clean and declutter the bedroom together. This involves sorting through toys, clothes, and other items to determine what should stay, what can be donated, and what needs to be thrown away. Involving your child in this process helps them understand the importance of keeping only what they truly need or love, which is the first step toward maintaining a tidy space.
Tips:
- Make it fun by turning on some music or making it a game.
- Let your child decide on some items to keep or donate, giving them a sense of control and ownership over their space.
- Less is more!
2. Create a Kid-Friendly Organisation System
Once the room is decluttered, the next step is to set up an organisation system that your child can easily understand and use. The key is to make everything as simple and accessible as possible in a tidy bedroom.
Tips:
- Label Everything: Use labels on drawers, bins, and shelves to help your child know where everything belongs. For younger children, you can use picture labels alongside words.
- Use Clear Containers: Clear bins or containers help your child see what’s inside, making it easier for them to put things away.
- Low-Level Storage: Place storage units at a height that your child can easily reach. This encourages them to tidy up without needing your assistance.
3. Establish a Daily Routine
Consistency is crucial when it comes to keeping a bedroom tidy. Establish a daily routine that includes a few minutes of tidying up as part of your child’s day. This routine should be simple and quick, such as putting toys back in their bins before bedtime or organizing books on the shelf after reading.
Tips:
- Set a Timer: Make tidying up a timed activity. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and challenge your child to see how much they can tidy up in that time. This makes it feel more like a game than a chore.
- Incorporate into Daily Routines: Tie tidying up to existing routines, such as after dinner or before storytime. This makes it a natural part of their day rather than an additional task.
- Maintain the Daily Routines: Tidy up at the same time each day. When the cleaning is predictable then children are more likely to be independent.
4. Teach by Example
Children learn by watching, so it’s important to model the behaviour you want to see. Show your child how to tidy up by doing it together and explaining why it’s important. When you model tidiness and organisation, your child is more likely to adopt these habits.
Tips:
- Work Together: Initially, help your child with tidying up until they get the hang of it. Over time, they will become more independent.
- Explain the Benefits: Talk to your child about the benefits of a tidy bedroom, such as finding toys more easily, having more space to play, and feeling more relaxed in a clean environment.
5. Make Tidying Up Fun
For younger children, tidying up can seem like a boring chore. To make it more appealing, turn it into a fun activity or game. When tidying up becomes something they look forward to, they are more likely to do it willingly.
Tips:
- Create a Game: Turn tidying up into a game by setting challenges, such as “Who can pick up the most toys in one minute?” or “Let’s see if we can sort the toys by colour!”
- Music Motivation: Play your child’s favourite songs while tidying up. This adds energy and makes the task more enjoyable.
- Reward System: Create a simple reward system where your child earns stickers or points each time they tidy up. Once they’ve accumulated enough points, they can trade them in for a small treat or privilege.
6. Give Everything a Home
One of the main reasons a bedroom becomes messy is that items don’t have a designated place. Make sure everything in your child’s room has a specific home. When your child knows exactly where something belongs, it’s easier for them to put it away.
Tips:
- Categorise Items: Group similar items together—books on a shelf, clothes in the dresser, toys in bins. This makes it easier to find and put away items.
- Use the “One In, One Out” Rule: For every new item that comes into the room, encourage your child to donate or remove something they no longer use. This helps prevent clutter from building up again.
7. Encourage Responsibility
As your child grows, encourage them to take more responsibility for their tidy bedroom. This can be done by giving them age-appropriate tasks and gradually increasing their responsibilities as they become more capable.
Tips:
- Daily Check-In: Have a quick check-in each day where your child can show you how they’ve tidied up their room. Praise their efforts and provide gentle guidance if needed.
- Give Them Ownership: Allow your child to arrange certain aspects of their room in a way they like. This gives them a sense of ownership and makes them more invested in keeping it tidy.
8. Be Patient and Consistent
Teaching a child to keep their bedroom tidy is a process that takes time. It’s important to be patient and consistent with your expectations. There will be days when the room isn’t perfect, and that’s okay. The goal is to build habits that will last a lifetime.
Tips:
- Celebrate Progress: Recognise and celebrate even small improvements. This helps build your child’s confidence and motivation.
- Stay Consistent: Consistency is key. Stick to the routines and systems you’ve established, and over time, they will become second nature to your child.
- Maintain the routine in holidays: Keep everything going during holiday times when many routines change.
9. Adapt to Your Child’s Age and Abilities
Different age groups require different approaches. What works for a toddler may not be as effective for a school-aged child. Tailor your strategies to fit your child’s age and abilities.
Tips:
- For Younger Children: Focus on simple tasks like putting toys in a bin or clothes in a hamper. Use lots of encouragement and make it fun.
- For Older Children: Give them more responsibility, such as making their bed or organising their school supplies. Encourage them to take pride in their space.
Conclusion: Building Life Skills Through Tidiness
Helping your child keep their bedroom tidy is about more than just having a clean space. It’s about teaching them valuable life skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. By starting with a clean slate, creating a kid-friendly organisation system, establishing routines, and making the process fun, you can help your child develop habits that lead to a tidy, organised room—and a sense of responsibility and independence that will benefit them far beyond their bedroom. Remember to be patient, consistent, and supportive as your child learns these important skills. With time and practice, keeping their room tidy will become second nature to them.
What to do if your child can’t keep their bedroom tidy
If your child struggles with keeping their room tidy or faces challenges with organisation, OneOnOne Children’s Therapy is here to help. We specialise in supporting children with ADHD, developmental delays, and autism to develop the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives. Our experienced therapists work closely with families to create personalised strategies that make organisation and daily routines more manageable and less stressful.
Don’t let these challenges hold your child back. Contact OneOnOne Children’s Therapy today to learn more about how we can support your child in building the skills they need to succeed. Whether it’s through occupational therapy, speech pathology, or tailored intervention programs, we’re here to guide your child towards greater independence and confidence.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a more organised, empowered future for your child!
