I am going to step outside of the fitness world to share a parenting tip for all of my fellow parents!! Do you have young children?? Do you look around your house and think… this is crazy! TOYS! TOYS!! TOYS!!! EVERYWHERE!!
My children are 3, 6, and 15! I feel so overwhelmed when I look around my house sometimes!! I know at this age it is expected to have to step over toys but I also feel that a certain level of responsibility for ones own things is also important. But I found a few solutions that work for us that I would like to share!!
Before they start something new they must first put away what they already have out: This works well but I have to be VERY disciplined to keep them on track!! Basically the concept here is to have a place for everything and only allow our kiddos to pull out their next activity if they have put away the toy they were already playing with!!
Laundry basket cleanup: When the above idea needs to be “reset” because the toys seem to be growing outside of their place I hand my kids an empty small laundry basket and tell them to pick up all of their toys from each room and return them to their proper place. Sometimes they fill their basket and put them away 2 and 3 times but having a basket to fill within a room is much easier for them then making multiple trips from room to room!!
Have a place for their toys: We have a wall unit that and it is clear to them where each type of toy goes. If your children know your expectations it makes it easier for them to meet them.
Teaching my children that they are responsible for keeping their toys in order will help them learn responsibility later in life!! It is all about the baby steps along the way!!
And just think… if you aren’t spending time picking up their toys 24/7 then you have more time to workout!!! I hope these tips have helped!! I would love to hear your comments!! Please post them below!!
Happy Parenting!! Happy Health!!
Coach Christina
