The Saturday Box

We have been having some clean-up issues. Mostly because the 2 1/2 year old still dumps a whole bin to find one small toy to carry around and then leaves the toys dumped. Only to repeat with another container 2 minutes later. Partly because the 5 1/2 year old creates great set-ups that really are difficult to take apart, but pieces stay scattered around the set-ups. Somewhat because Mommy has decided that she is not going to put away plastic that she, herself, did not take out to enjoy. Frequently because toys are not put away when done being played with and the mess just expands throughout the day. Occasionally because nobody really tries to clean up abandoned plastic and the house wakes in the morning as if little elves continued playing all night long. Mommy desires a put-together house at the end of the night without put-it-away battles in the clean up war.

I stumbled upon the greatest idea and may have WON the clean up war! I initiated "The Saturday Box". We announce it is time for the Saturday Box clean up and announce what areas are to be cleaned. The timer is set for 15 to 20 minutes. And then the two tykes clean, some guidance is provided by stating what needs to be picked up and put away. After all, she is only 2 1/2 years old. Reminders like "edge to edge and corner to corner" help the little guy put on his careful eyes. Upon hearing the beep beep that ends the clean up time, butts are sat upon our couch. Then Mommy and Daddy go through the pre-determined rooms to be cleaned and pick up ANYTHING left behind. Those treasured items are stored in a bin in our room and are gone until the next Saturday. The first thing done on Saturday morning is to put away the Saturday box items, in "Saturday Box" fashion.

The first two days of this new battle plan filled the bin to overflowing. Three or four days later we had great cleaner-uppers. Simon was appalled that his blanket and Blue Bear disappeared on day one; Norah missed many furry friends. I think it is working!

The clean house treaty is in effect. Peace and tidiness have been restored.