Cleanup time.
If you know, you know.
When my kids struggle to put their toys away after they’re done playing — or flat-out resist cleanup time — I’ve learned that pushing harder usually makes it worse. Tears, whining, power struggles… nobody wins.
So instead of forcing it, I usually do one of these three ideas. They’re simple, realistic, and actually work in real homes with real kids.
1. Give Each Kid a Specific Task
When everything feels overwhelming, kids shut down — just like adults do. A room full of toys can feel impossible to tackle, especially for younger kids.
That’s why I’ll say something like:
“Parker, you pick up all the cars. Brooklyn, you pick up all the Magna-Tiles.”
Suddenly, cleanup has a clear start and finish. There’s no guessing, no arguing, and no “I don’t know where to start.” Research in early childhood development shows that clear, concrete instructions help kids feel more confident and capable, which makes them far more likely to cooperate.
Bonus tip: This also cuts down on sibling arguments because everyone knows exactly what their job is.
2. Make It a Game (Timers Work Magic)
If there’s one thing kids respond to, it’s play.
Sometimes we set a timer or play a song and see if we can clean everything up before the timer goes off or the song ends. It instantly turns cleanup into a challenge instead of a chore.
The magic here is urgency without pressure. Kids aren’t cleaning because they “have to” — they’re cleaning because they want to beat the clock. Psychologically, this taps into motivation and focus, especially for kids who struggle with transitions.
And honestly? Even when they don’t finish in time, the room is usually 80% cleaner — which is still a win.
3. The “Secret Toy” Game (This One’s Gold)
This is my favorite trick — and it only works if you have more than one kid.
I secretly pick one toy that’s still on the ground, but I don’t tell them what it is. Then I say, “There’s a magic toy hiding somewhere… let’s clean up and see who finds it.”
After cleanup, I reveal what the secret toy was, and whoever picked it up wins.
The genius part?
Kids don’t just clean one toy — they clean everything to increase their chances of winning. It’s incentive-based, playful, and avoids bribing with treats or screen time.
This works because kids love mystery and rewards, and it shifts their focus from “I don’t want to clean” to “What if I win?”
Why These Tricks Actually Work
All three ideas have one thing in common:
They remove power struggles and add structure or play.
Instead of demanding compliance, you’re guiding cooperation — which builds independence, confidence, and better habits over time. And no, it won’t be perfect every day. But it’s a whole lot calmer than yelling over a pile of toys.
Hope these help 🤍
