This week my Works For Me Wednesday is what I have found to entice my 4 year old son to help with cleaning up his messes. He loves to get stuff out and play, but does not think he should clean it up.
I have started declaring a race to get him to clean up! I set the microwave timer (note: timer…not cook!) for 1 minute, and tell him, “ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GOOOOOO!” and he begins racing to either pick up his puzzle pieces or Hot Wheels cars, or whatever else I have asked him to clean up…and if he doesn’t finish…he does the most amazing thing…”AGAIN, MOMMY!” And we go again! Sometimes we even involve his 7 year old sister or Granddaddy (but usually Granddaddy just antagonizes him and creates a distraction…gotta love Granddaddys!)…it makes the race more interesting!
Well, that is WHAT WORKS FOR ME! Go on over to Rocks In My Dryer, and see more WFMW posts!
Coffee Talk 
I used to do that when I babysat my siblings and needed them to quickly clean before our parents got home, I’d see who could clean up their area the fastest. Amazing what a little competition can do!
Great tip! I’m going to try this with MY 4-year (almost 5-year)-old today! Maybe the 13 and 11 year olds will decide its fun too…hey I can dream right? LOL
Great tip! My 3 year old loves to compete with me, so this will really work for us! Thanks!
My husband instituted “5-minute pick-up” for our daughter. She loves it! She can usually get all of her messes cleaned up in 5 minutes (with a little help) and very little complaining.
I love the competition side of 1 minute at a time, though. Maybe we’ll try that one tonight.
I use this too. I also often employ what Kara suggested when we have play dates. Kids love to compete (as long as it stays friendly).
What a cute idea! I like how you keep the time manageable for him!
Thanks for sharing this great tip!