I prefer to separate two groups of children: teenagers and non-teenage children as they are completely different cases.
How to house-train children
Teaching children to help with cleaning isn't easy. Start them young if you can, and if necessary use the old 'carrot and stick' strategy, on other words, teach them that doing their cleaning task well and on time will bring a reward, whereas doing it badly or not at all will incur penalty. Always praise a child for work well done, and give rewards where they are due. Agree with your family what the rewards and penalties will be in advance, so that no one can complain if you follow through with a penalty later. Make sure that parents also have penalties if they don't keep to their side of the bargain.
Dealing with untidy teenagers
If you didn't manage to house-train your children when they were young, you will be tired of hearing you shout 'Clean your room!' by the time they are teenagers. But all is not lost - there are ways and means of getting through to them, as long as you are prepared to be persistent.
In for a penny, in for a pound
If your teenager's room looks like the aftermath of a battle, the prospect of clearing it up may feel overwhelming. Help your teenager to start again with clean slate by tidying the room together. You are not there to provide cleaning services, just help. State clearly that this is the last time you will be helping, and what the consequences will be if the room is left untidy in future.
Here are the consequences: When the room starts to look untidy again, go into the room with a bag and take the items of clutter away. Insist that your teenager buys back items from you for 50 p each or whatever sum you feel is appropriate.
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