Just about every parent has been there. It’s been a long day, and the last thing you want to see is your family room in total disarray. It can be exhausting, overwhelming, and yes, it can make you throw up your hands in frustration. One person can’t do everything alone. However, there are ways that you can convince your children to help you keep your family room somewhat organized. Make it fun.
Tip # 1: A Color per Child
If you have more than one child, you know how important it is to make sure that each one knows how unique and special they are. One of the easiest ways to do just that is to have different bins that is specially designated for each child – each one having their very own color. If the child has a specific place to put their toys and other treasured items, there is a chance that they’ll be more likely to place it there when they are finished using it with your encouragement. Make sure you let them truly make it their own – let them decorate it however they want.
Tip # 2: The Game’s Afoot
Of course, children will often surprise us in what they are willing to do, or not do. More often than not, picking up can turn into a boring chore. Why not try to make it fun? Turn it into a friendly competition. Perhaps a friendly race to get all the toys put away. Or if the family room is in a complete mess, perhaps a scavenger hunt is more applicable. If you get the entire family involved, chances are your messy family room will be cleaned up in no time. It’s up to you what the reward will be for the winner – but common ones might be the winner choosing what video to watch on TV, or perhaps they get to stay up ten minutes later at bedtime.
Tip # 3: Keep Your Entertainment Simple
Let’s face it—kids aren’t the only reason why your family room is often in chaos. The stacks of DVDs, video games, endless cords, and remotes also contribute to the problem. Remember the best way to stay organized is to keep things simple. Why not take the idea of having a bin for each of the child’s toys and extend it to your “toys” as well? Keep the items where you are most likely to use them. Maybe put a small basket on the table for the remotes. A media tower or small bookcase next to the DVD player can make it a lot easier to put them away when you’re done. As for the cords, simply take a cable velcro strap, a rubber band or buy a cable organizer to loop the like cords together. That way they won’t turn into trip hazards as easily. Take it one step further and label the cords so you know what they belong to.
These are just a few tips you can use to organize your family room. Try them out and tell me what you think!