tallied or recorded at checkout time, potentially with a chart.
Many parents have tried something like the weekly cleanup
routine, but the grown-ups often ruin the whole procedure by getting
into an argument with the child at checkout. Never argue about what
needs to be done; make the specifications clear in the first place. For
example:
“I’m done with my room. Can I go out now?”
“Your bed’s not finished.”
“Whaddaya mean? That’s good enough.”
(Dad turns to walk away.)
“What’s the matter with it?”
“That’s 1.”
“Oh, for Pete’s sake!” (Goes to finish bed.)
This dad had already explained that the bed had to be neatly made,
so there was no need for further talk. His son starts testing, using the
badgering tactic, and after ignoring the badgering once, Dad uses the
1-2-3 strategy. If the child winds up back in his room with a 3 count
and a time-out, that’s perfect! He’ll have a few minutes to make his
bed properly.
Tactics for Picking Up around the House
Let me make one thing perfectly clear: The close-the-door-and-don’t-
look method applies only to the kids’ rooms. The scheme does not
apply to the rest of your house! You shouldn’t allow the children to
leave your kitchen, family room, dining room, bathrooms, and
hallways cluttered with their things. (As all parents know, kitchen
counters and tables are such convenient dumping grounds.) You
certainly can’t close a door and not look when the entire house is
involved. Here are some useful routines for common areas of the
house.