{"id":8150,"date":"2014-04-06T08:47:51","date_gmt":"2014-04-06T13:47:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.flandersfamily.info\/web\/?p=8150"},"modified":"2024-08-13T17:23:47","modified_gmt":"2024-08-13T22:23:47","slug":"how-to-get-kids-to-clean-their-rooms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.flandersfamily.info\/web\/2014\/04\/06\/how-to-get-kids-to-clean-their-rooms\/","title":{"rendered":"Free Bedroom Inspection Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Training<\/p>\n

In matters of housekeeping, as in so many other things, children are more prone to do what we inspect<\/em> than what we expect<\/em><\/strong>. We have certainly found this principle to be true when it comes to keeping kids’ rooms tidy<\/a>. Which is why I created this free bedroom inspection checklist<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Free<\/a><\/p>\n

Our children have always shared bedrooms, with two to four siblings occupying a single room. This does more than economize space. It also teaches valuable life skills about getting along with others and working together toward a common goal — like straightening their room. <\/p>\n

When kids tackle the job of cleaning their bedroom, it helps when I clearly define what I mean by “clean.” But want to know what really motivates them to get the job done properly? When they know I’ll be checking up on their progress with more than a cursory glance. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Children tend to do what we inspect<\/em>, not what we expect<\/em>.<\/h2>\n

\"Free<\/a><\/p>\n

That is what inspired me to create my free printable bedroom inspection checklist. It defines an acceptable standard (rooms don\u2019t have to be \u201cperfect\u201d) and helps our neat-niks to peacefully co-exist with our pack-rats. <\/p>\n

For years, I used this plain-jane version<\/a>. But I recently decided to give it a facelift and offer the girls<\/a>‘ and boys<\/a>‘ versions you see above. Just click on either image to download its free printable PDF.<\/p>\n

The room inspection checklist really serves two purposes:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. It helps my kids, because they know exactly what I want from them. <\/li>\n
  2. It helps me, too, by allowing me to recognize and reward a job that is done “well enough,” instead of zeroing in on the pair of dirty socks stuffed under the bed or a nightstand drawer that is overfull.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If a child scores at least 85% on inspection, his room passes. If not, he must pay a nominal fine (just a dollar or two) and keep working until it does pass. Kids whose rooms pass with flying colors get a small reward<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

    Best of all, when I’m consistent about inspecting at least once a week, including surprise “pop inspections,” the rooms seldom get into such a state of disarray that they can’t be tidied in a matter of minutes.<\/p>\n

    More Help with Household Organization<\/h2>\n