Marshmallows are No Longer Free at My House
How do you get a 3-year old to help with putting away toys?
My son will do it for 5 minutes, if I’m helping him. But the other day, I figured out a way to get him to clean up by himself, while I prepare dinner.
Mini-marshmallows.
The little boy has a special fondness for the soft little treats. It’s one of the few sweets allowed in our home. It’s easy to control portions (unlike a lollipop) and it’s not too sweet. Most of the bulk in a marshmallow is air anyway. (Or maybe I’m just kidding myself, cause I like them too!).
Anyhow, I used them to bribe (gasp!) the little boy into putting away his toys. One marshmallow for so many toys put away. Verbal encouragements and reminders from me were needed, but we got to the finish line in due time. And then there were three marshmallows for getting the job done.
I won’t do this regularly, of course, cause I’m afraid there will come a time when he won’t clean up without a sweet reward. I want to get him to a point when neat surroundings are his reward. But for now, I’m OK with the occasional sweet or sticker.
How do you get your kids to help clean up the house?
Tags: organizing, clutter, kids helping out, housekeeping, homemaking
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POSTED IN: General Housekeeping and Homemaking, Organizing and Clutter Control
3 opinions for Marshmallows are No Longer Free at My House
Vicky
May 1, 2007 at 10:09 am
Very nice website you have here!
When my kids were little I used the very basic and timeless “work before play” technique. When the toys, etc., are picked up then we can go outside or watch tv or make playdough. I still used it with my teens and preteen. “Please don’t ask to go anywhere or do anything until your room is picked up and you’ve picked up any messes you’ve made around the house”. The work gets done!
Maricar
May 1, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Hi Vicky,
Thanks! I forgot about that technique. I used it today, and got the floor cleaned of toys in no time! :) That should really go to the top of my list, as it seems to work for any age.
David
May 4, 2007 at 6:32 am
Do not forgit to put in a big hug and a lot of good coments. Always focus on the good it pays off in the end
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