How to Discipline When Kids Scatter Toys

Would you like parenting tips that discipline your kids when they don't put their toys away? Stop being their doormat. Look inside to find parenting tips that discipline and build character too.

You’re getting the kids ready for bed. “Did you finish your homework? Did you take your bath? Did you brush your teeth?” Every night you ask the same questions. Every night you want some private time. But what do you do when they’re tucked in bed and you find their toys scattered throughout the house?
How will you discipline with logical consequences that make sense?

1. Like most parents, you’re tired at the end of the day. You want some time to yourself. But too often you find toys scattered by now sleeping children. What will you do?

2. How often do your kids go out to play with underfoot toys left behind? You like the peace and quiet when they’re off playing with friends. And you hate tripping over their toys on the way to the kitchen. What will you do?

3. You need to run to the store to pick up last minute items for dinner. The kids are too young to leave behind. Their toys are everywhere. They dawdle while cleaning up. What will you do?

Most parents face the same dilemmas with kids and toys every day. They hate feeling out of control. They want a tidy home. They feel like they’re drowning in piles of toys.

If this is you, you have discipline choices. Consider the logical consequences below:

If they’re asleep, wake them up. I know this will take away some of your private time. I know you’d rather put the toys away yourself even though you’d feel angry. I know you don’t want to disturb their sleep. But how will they learn to be responsible, if you pick up their toys for them?

1. Here’s what you can do. Be calm. Wake them up. Tell them, “Pick up your toys.” Silently follow them around while they put all their toys away. No lectures. Do this every time they leave a mess. In the end, your house will be uncluttered before your children fall asleep and you’ll have the private time you want.

2. Call your children in from play. Tell them, “Pick up your toys.” They won’t like it. Remember you’re not in a popularity contest. You’re being a good parent and that’s not easy.

Here’s another idea you might use. It worked with my boys. Get a large box. Call it the “Saturday Box.” When your children leave toys around, put their toys in the “Saturday Box.” These toys won’t be available until Saturday. Cleaning out the Saturday Box will become one of the chores listed on their weekly chore charts.

3. When you don’t have time and need to get to the store right away, do this:

Tell your children they’ll have to put their toys away before dinner. Of course, this means you may start eating before them.

If you follow the above steps, you’ll be logical and you’ll be consistent. You won’t be yelling. You won’t be a doormat either.

Article Source: http://www.parentingarticlelibrary.com

Jean Tracy, MSS invites you to receive 80 Fun Activities to Share with Your Kids when you sign up for her Free Newsletter at www.KidsDiscuss.com

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated