I think that kids are natural born pack rats. Or at least mine are! In fact, just the other day, my 7 year old got upset with me because I threw out a coloring book that got water logged. Nope, it didn’t matter that he NEVER colors! It was still a tragedy. Anyway, this is a good day to at least try and teach them the importance of clearing things out that aren’t getting used, organizing toys, giving to charity, or other family and friends that might be able to use the items.
Teach Your Kids to Get Rid of Stuff
Check out this blog for ideas on how to help your kids get rid of stuff. http://orgjunkie.com/2009/08/tips-for-helping-children-get-rid-of-stuff.html.
Books
The Berenstain Bears And The Messy Room
This is a great book to teach kids to clean up after themselves and what happens when they don’t. In this book, mama gets so fed up with the mess in the cubs’ room, that she comes back with a huge box and starts tossing all their things into it. 3-6 years.
Monster Mess!
Ready to go to sleep, a multi-legged, long-tailed monster heads upstairs and into a bedroom only to hurt itself on toy blocks left on the floor. Grossed out by stinky socks and shoes, a juice-stained sheet, and general untidiness, the creature decides to clean while the room’s young occupant snoozes in the bed. In the morning, the child awakens and happily discovers his visitor. 3-6 years.
