Returning Objects To Their Proper Location When Finished with Them
“CLEAN UP THIS MESS!!”

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Go
with your child to where the toys are kept (playroom, den, basement, bedroom).
Take out a variety of toys that you know he likes to play with (e.g., blocks,
cars, puzzles, paper and crayons, etc.).
Encourage
your child to pick out a toy to play with and allow him to play with it for a
specified time (e.g., 10 minutes).
When
the time is up, tell your child it’s time to put away that toy and then he can
choose another toy.
Observe
your child putting the toys away independently, looking for the following
behaviors:
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Verbally refuses to
put the toys away when asked
Puts the toy away
careless or disorganized
Leaves the play area
without putting the toys away
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Remember
that forcing your child to pick up and put things away does not make him more
organized or neater. Your child needs lots of practice time, verbal
encouragement and specific directions that can be easily understood.
If
your child needs help, say exactly where a toy belongs and then model the
action by putting the toy in the correct spot. Encourage your child to imitate
you and praise him “a lot” if successful. Children are usually motivated to
receive praise!
Talk
with your child about what consequences will occur if toys are not put back in
the correct location (the toy will be put away for a day). Let your child think
of consequences as well.
Allow your child to experience “natural
consequences”. These would be consequences that he creates, not you. For
example, if your child does not put the top back on the Playdoh container, the
clay will dry up and your child will not be able to play with it next time. If
your child leaves the paint brushes dirty, the brushes will not be able to be
used for painting.
If
your child becomes destructive with toys that he has been asked to clean up,
make him clean up the mess. For example, if your child throws all the blocks
because he does not want to clean them up, make Your child pick up all the
blocks.
One
of the best ways for your child to clean up the toys is for him see mom and dad
model organized, responsible behaviors with their things.