KIDS can be the chief mess-makers around the house, so it's only fair that they should play their part in helping to tidy up.
Yeah right. Good luck with that!
While youngsters (and not so youngsters) will come up with every argument under the sun to not help tidy up — "that's not mine"; "that is mine but someone else got it out"; and that old chestnut, "I'm tired!"
Professional organiser Lissanne Oliver offers some tips in her book Sorted.
"In all my years of consulting (and nannying) space has never been an issue in kids' rooms," she said.
"The volume of stuff is the problem.
"There are too many clothes, too many toys, too much furniture — but rarely enough books."
Ms Oliver then asks the pertinent question: "Are the contents of your child's room more an indication of your attitude to stuff than a true reflection of your child's need for it?"
She said "dump bins" or baskets were the easiest form of storage for children to maintain.
"Avoid using lids, and make sure they can easily get to the storage space," she said.
"A small set of wall-mounted shelves is best for any 'precious' bits and pieces.
"In your living area, allocate a box or basket for each child.
"Stray socks, toys, school work and so on can easily be placed in the basket or box, and then the whole container can easily be taken to child's bedroom.
"Organise a tidy-up day with all your kids and have them get in on the act.
"Don't be a slave to fetching or picking up after them. A simple routine is to ask them once a week to pick up everything off the floor so you can vacuum."
What are your tips for getting children to help with tidying up?
