Operation Clean up

As a father, you will notice that following these instructions below will certainly help with the clean up:

• STEP 1: Announce to your toddlers that it’s time to clean up toys. Have a specific place to put the toys – either a plastic tub or a toy box. Place it in the middle of the room you are cleaning


• STEP 2: Say “Look at this mess. I wonder who will help me?” as you are setting the container down. Make similar comments or sing a cleanup song until you gain your children’s attention. Use a happy tone of voice and make positive comments about cleaning the mess


• STEP 3: Pick up some toys on the floor and place them in the container. Continue with positive coaxing or singing


• STEP 4: Ask your children to (please) pick up a specific toy as you pick up more toys. Thank your children when they place the toy in your hand or in the container


• STEP 5: Prepare a consequence for not helping. A timeout or the withholding of a treasured item or activity are common negative consequences


• STEP 6: Warn your children only once of the consequence and how long it will last if they will not help. Follow through with the consequence if your children do not help


• STEP 7: Continue picking up toys following the above steps until all of the toys are picked up.