How to Stop a Child from Leaving the Kitchen a Mess

If your kitchen looks like a cyclone just went through, it̵7;s probably safe to say the kids have the day off. Not only do kids seem to manufacture dirty dishes, they somehow manage to pile the counter high with empty boxes or beverage containers, too. While nagging may sometimes bring relief, it doesn̵7;t solve the problem. Teaching your child to share responsibility for keeping the kitchen clean saves you time and energy and teaches her valuable life skills.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper plates
  • Cups
  • Plastic cutlery
  • Snack plates

Instructions

    • 1

      Clean and organize the kitchen, placing frequently used items within easy reach for your children. Children often leave cereals or snack items on the counter if they are difficult to put away.

    • 2

      Provide dishes, glasses and cutlery for children to use if you do not want them using your regular dishes. Paper plates, napkins, and paper cups or snack trays designed with kids in mind encourage children to clean up after themselves.

    • 3

      Call a family meeting to discuss the use of the kitchen. Explain that you have reorganized it to make it convenient for everyone, and you need everyone's help to keep it that way.

    • 4

      Show your children where to find special dishes and items you want them to use for snack time, pointing out any items you moved while organizing the kitchen. Check that common items are within reach for the shortest family member.

    • 5

      Explain your expectations for kitchen use, such as putting things away, placing dirty dishes in the dishwasher and wiping up spills. Demonstrate wiping down the counter and putting away trash to show your children what you expect of them.

    • 6

      Set logical consequences for your child for failure to clean up after himself. For teens, staying in for the evening and cleaning the kitchen may do the trick. For younger children, cleaning up while their favorite TV show is on may be more appropriate. Tell your children what they need to do while cleaning the kitchen.

    • 7

      Monitor your children̵7;s use of the kitchen closely to determine how well they are complying with the new routine. Offer praise freely when children comply with your wishes and be ready to enforce the consequences when they do not.

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