Kids leaving things around the house?

Question

Okay, in my house, we have a place for everything, and I like it that way. My kids have an annoying habbit (started this summer) of leaving things around the house. I don't know how many times I found an iPod, barbie, shoe, DVD, even a cell phone through the house. I decided that when I find something, it is taken away for a week. I bought a big bin to sit on the shelf in my closet. I will get a sticker and write the day I took it away. They don't get it back for a week.

What do you think of that? What do you do when kids leave things around the house? Or do you just try to block it out?

Answer 1

I think your idea is much better than the one I'm doing now. Which saying If I see it on the ground again I would throw it away. Because most likely you wouldn't throw it away. And also because if you throw it away it would be wasting money. I think your idea is great and I will use it.

Answer 2

Well my son is 2 years old so sometime it not really his fault because he might be playing with something and then leave to grab his drink or whatever. Sometime we just pick up and leave so his stuff get left behind but what I do is at the end of the day I'll go to his room and make him pick up everything he mess with and just guide him back to his storage bin or shelf. Anyways figure start that at a young age won't be so bad later. After cleaning his room I take his out for a stroll and with the gas prices he should feel that it an awesome reward:D

Answer 3

Is it working for you ?

The take away time seems a little long,

and your not getting anything out of it.

Try this :

Items will be taken away for two days.

Then they can do jobs around the house to earn

them back.

Some dusting,

yard work,

cleaning...

So you get a helping hand to.

If they don't, have a yard sale. They didn't want

the items anyway. They know your rules.

Do help guide the younger children with this task.

Don't forget to inspect the task, and give them

praise before you return the items.

They will appreciate it more.  ;-)

Answer 4

It totally irritates me, too.  Usually I tell them if I find it laying around again, I'm going to throw it away. I have always stuck to it and I've had to choke up throwing away some pretty good stuff.  But I like your idea better.  I think I'm going to try it.  Thanks!:-)

Answer 5

well i have 4 kids who drive me crazy with that. i have learned for me anyway that there is nothing that works. i have tried the basket thing. its even gone so far that i had to take EVERYTHING out of their rooms. and well they go back to their ways soon. i am starting to learn its an on going thing, but i do like the basket idea. i do after dinner we do our chores and take bathes. once everything is picked up they can have tv time. that seems to work.  

Answer 6

You REALLY wanna know what people think?? Well, I'll tell you what I think about that: I think you are CRAZY!!

1. I like it too, if the house is tidy and things have their order. BUT

2. I think this is totally ridiculous. This are KIDS!! Did you forget that or what? They just ARE that way! All kids are like that! You can't punish them for being the way they are. Apart from this, having ipods and cell phones around the house is REALLY not that terrible! I mean, if their clothes would be everywhere or if they'd having plates with one-week old food in their bedroom, that would be understandable. But this is just mean and unfair. Especially cuz it's ONE week! Have you got even an idea how long ONE WEEK is for children?? I think you shouldn't punish your kids for your own cleanness-mania.

Answer 7

I do the same as you, but for 3 days, I think a week is a bit harsh.  

Answer 8

I think it sounds like a great idea.  And just be consistent or they won't take it seriously.  Hopefully they start putting things back!!

Answer 9

That's a smart solution you have there taking there things for a week. You diffidently don't block this stuff out because then it will be a habit they will continue to do forever. It's also your house and you want them to treat it the way you do. Now you have to be rational with what you take away for a week. A cell phone is fine to be left around if they don't lose it. The rest of there belongings should be confided in there room unless it's in use.

I don't have a child, but I practically raised my brother since I was 9. When he leaves things around the house I simply ask him to put it in his room or clean it up. He doesn't leave much things laying around anymore. You shouldn't clean there toy's up. It's there responsibility, this will make them more independent.

Hope this helps

Answer 10

It's your call!  You're the mom, and the boss.  If you decide you want things put up and away, then they should respect that.  I think it's a great idea.  My husband did something similar, but he would hide it in our room for a few days, then give it back.  We didn't wait a whole week.  I'd like to tell you that it solved things, but unfortunately it didn't, but we do give one warning out that things are going to get "lost" if they don't get picked up, and usually that works.

Answer 11

I was about to suggest that you take things away for a while when they leave them laying around, will teach them to appreciate their items and take care of them. Great idea. =)