Tidying up is a skill that must be learned. But how do you start? How do you ensure that your child puts away his toys and things (and later becomes an orderly adult)?
Order
We all have a sense of order. That is innate. We divide the world and sort things according to our own system. You notice this very clearly in small children who are given the opportunity to make a mess: they know that everything is good in the disorder. After tidying up, it often happens that a child is confused because he or she can no longer find a toy. It then seems as if the toy has suddenly disappeared. Their chaotic layout is no longer correct.
If you tidy up together with your child and guide your child step by step in the tidying up process, your child will learn that there is an orderly way of organizing things instead of randomly putting everything away and remembering where it is. Moreover, this gives you the opportunity to check all toys for defects or dirt. This way everything stays nice and neat for longer.
When to start?
You can start as soon as the child discovers that there is a world around him. Usually this is when they can sit upright. The child may not be able to tidy up yet, but by involving him in the tidying up process you ensure that he experiences it consciously. This does not have to be very extensive because the child can only concentrate for a short time: talking while cleaning up is sufficient. Later this can be expanded by asking the child to bring the toy and put it in the correct box. At preschool age, most children can tidy up well with some guidance, and in primary school they can put their things away independently.
It is advisable to follow the child’s rhythm. To tidy up properly, a child must be able to categorize the world around him. For some this is very young, while for others it takes longer. Every child has its own evolution: the skills can only be developed when the child is ready. As a parent or educator you quickly notice when the child is ready.
Tips
Choose and apply method
You can clean up in different ways. Everyone has their own preference for cleaning up efficiently. Character and physical capabilities mainly play a role here. Choose a method that you feel comfortable with and always use the same method.
2 examples:
- You can work by category of toys: first cars, then cuddly toys, then books, etc… .
- You start from a certain room and work towards another room: for example, tidying a room clockwise and suddenly putting all the toys you come across in the right place.
Room furnishings
Clutter attracts clutter: an orderly room stays orderly for a long time. Make sure that all toys and items are neatly stored and out of sight. Also arrange the room in such a way that your child can easily clean up after themselves. This also encourages your child to put everything in the right place after playing. At kindergartens and daycare centers you will often find racks with containers (curver, for example) that the child can easily reach. Items that the child cannot easily reach, such as painting supplies, are often placed higher. Room dividers (low racks) are also useful if you like to have a cozy corner in a children’s room.
Simple layout
In order to put everything back neatly, it is important to understand where everything should be placed. That is why it is important that you use a simple layout for the child. For example: cars with cars and animals with animals.
Icons or photos
To make the place recognizable, you can use pictograms: simple drawings on boxes or bins show what belongs in them. This way the child knows what goes where. You can also stick photos of toys on the box. This way the child knows more clearly which toy belongs where (or stick a photo of the inside of the box on it).
Setting a good example
Children learn by example. As a parent, it is therefore important to set a good example. If parents leave their things lying around, the child will learn that it is normal and will not understand why his parents make such a fuss about his toys. If the child sees parents tidying up (preferably using the same method), he or she will learn that tidying up is normal and will be more likely to tidy up after themselves.
Finally
We learn faster in a relaxed and pleasant environment. That is why it is important not to teach children new skills under pressure: give them time and make a game of it. You can possibly suggest something fun. Reading a book together after cleaning up or eating or drinking something tasty is a nice ending.
Children also quickly experience tidying up as a punishment if they have to do it alone: a little help makes tidying up go faster. Moreover, they learn to help others and ask for help. This way, they are also more likely to come and help you if you ask for help.
Addition June 17, 2009: Why do children make a mess?
Children don’t make messes because they like messes or because they like to rebel. It often happens unconsciously while playing. Children live in the present: they do not think about the consequences of their actions. Children still have to learn this. If a child wants to play with a certain toy, he will look for that toy and sometimes cause a mess. That is why prevention is better than cure: an orderly room in which the child knows the location of every object prevents clutter.
A messy environment can also be oppressive, causing the child to quickly become bored and create more mess out of frustration. Many children know the place of their toys in a mess and become confused when an adult gives them new places: involving the child in the clean-up process prevents the child from putting the toys back in their old places. The child does not have to actively tidy up themselves: indicating the new places is often sufficient.