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I have a rule in my house that my kids need to put away one toy before
they take the next toy out. However, no matter what I try-- taking the toys
away , giving them treats, putting them in time-out-- they still don't
remember to put those toys away without me nagging them and standing
right on top of them. Any suggestions of what might work for a 4 and 3
year-old?
Answer— provided by Allan Gonsher, LIMHP, LSCSW, RPT-S
This is obviously a difficult task for young children. BUT, an essential one that we
need to begin teaching our children at a very young age. The best way to begin is
limiting the amount of toys that are available for our children. In today's world,
unfortunately, kids have too much entertainment. Crayons, clay, puppets, a few
games,blocks, NO ELECTRICAL TOYS (even if they are educational), etc. are
fine. Next, you have to "oversee" their play. There are times that you will need to
"Help" them put back the crayons,blocks, etc. They will not be able to do it by
themselves. Instead of letting them take out all the toys, limit how many toys are
available. Instead of "reminding" them, help them. Instead of getting upset, make it
a game. Whatever you do, you have to do it over and over again. Perhaps 3
weeks to see if it works. Try it. Let me know how it turns out.
they take the next toy out. However, no matter what I try-- taking the toys
away , giving them treats, putting them in time-out-- they still don't
remember to put those toys away without me nagging them and standing
right on top of them. Any suggestions of what might work for a 4 and 3
year-old?
Answer— provided by Allan Gonsher, LIMHP, LSCSW, RPT-S
This is obviously a difficult task for young children. BUT, an essential one that we
need to begin teaching our children at a very young age. The best way to begin is
limiting the amount of toys that are available for our children. In today's world,
unfortunately, kids have too much entertainment. Crayons, clay, puppets, a few
games,blocks, NO ELECTRICAL TOYS (even if they are educational), etc. are
fine. Next, you have to "oversee" their play. There are times that you will need to
"Help" them put back the crayons,blocks, etc. They will not be able to do it by
themselves. Instead of letting them take out all the toys, limit how many toys are
available. Instead of "reminding" them, help them. Instead of getting upset, make it
a game. Whatever you do, you have to do it over and over again. Perhaps 3
weeks to see if it works. Try it. Let me know how it turns out.
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Parenting Questions & Answers - Toys
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