Teaching them to appreciate their belongings

    We've had this problem with the boys lately. Maybe some of you can relate.

Not super bad, but in our house by 6 & 8 they should know better than to leave their room looking like this.

I mean really, right next to the empty hamper?!?

  The thing is, with our kids we really try to teach them early on to put their things away in the right place, and to put toys away when they are done. And they're really not horrible at it, but they are 6 and 8 and by now should know better. And the things that really bother me, are the toys all around the house, or left outside. Or clothes just tossed on the floor, or again left outside. Expensive Hurly hats that are left outside all night, shoes and socks left out getting rained on. You get the idea. I'm sure most of you are parents and experience the same frustrations. So we came up with a plan. I bought a clear storage bin from Walmart and we sat the boys down and told them if things were left out, they would be taken away until the offending party earned them back. We would not be buying them anything new as long as they had things in the box, and we would donate everything that wasn't earned back in a couple weeks time. If they didn't want them enough to earn them back, we would give it to someone who would appreciate it.   

  I bought a clear bin so they could see in, and placed it right in the front room next to the hall so they could see it. Also every time I'm out shopping and see something I'd like to get them I remind them that I can't. That might be kinda mean, but I want them to know they're missing out! 

   Well the box got fuller and fuller and so I reminded the boys that I would be taking things out to give away soon. That was yesterday and boy did they get in gear! 

He had to sweep and then clean, by hand on hands and knees, the kitchen floor

I'm pretty sure he enjoyed this one. And it was great I got the lawn mowed and he earned back some things!

 They also vacuumed and dusted and cleaned both bathrooms. Mostly I'd like them to do extra chores that are not part of their responsibilities in the family, but yesterday I was in need of tasks for them. So although they are asked to vacuum sometimes, I had vacuum and dusting as one job, and really made sure it was done well. And both bathrooms were cleaned by one boy, and more was asked of him then usual.

  I don't know if this will help. I need a better list of this for them to do to earn things back. We do still have somethings in the bin today, and I'm not sure what chores to have them do now. We'll have to put our heads together to figure out more. I'll probably make a list. 

  So tell me parents do you have the same thing going on at your house? And if not, please tell me the secret!!