The kids have gotten out of the habit of keeping their rooms clean.  (O.k, let's be honest.  I have, too)    For a while, I was using Flylady's Weekly Home Blessing idea.  I had split it into two separate days - one for upstairs and one for downstairs.  On the given day for upstairs - Monday - the hallway and bedrooms would be vacuumed.  The kids had to have everything off of their floor when it was time for me to sweep, or they would do the sweeping themselves.  When we did this consistently, it became easier for them to maintain their rooms.

 

I haven't been doing that in quite a while - since before I went through morning sickness this past winter.  And, shock of shocks, rooms are a disaster again.

 

This week, the goal is to take 10 minutes each day for everyone to work on their bedrooms.  (The 10-minute Tidy)We all gather in the hallway, put our hands together, and cheer "Let's Do It! - Extreme Home Makeover Style.  Then everyone (myself included) stands outside their bedroom door and I set the timer for 10 minutes.  And away we go.  I am doing the same as the kids - working in my own room for that time - I needed it, too.

 

Yesterday went very well.  My 4 year-old dd got somewhat overwhelmed.  I told her to pick one thing up and find a home for it.  Then pick one more thing up, etc.  When the timer goes off, she can stop.  Hopefully, that will help her get the hang of this, too.  One thing at a time doesn't seem so overwhelming.

 

Does it relate to homeschooling?  Absolutely!  They need to learn regular habits of keeping things orderly.  I am hoping that by doing it a little at a time, they will see that it's not as hard as it seems if we just keep up with it.

 

As for myself, I was amazed at the improvement in our own bedroom with just those 10 minutes.  And, a tidier environment means less stress for everyone.

It's a small start, but it can make a big difference.

 

We're off to do 10!  How about you?

Posted by LearningGlory

Every few months we have to take a week or two and go back to "basic training".

-Tammy

Posted by CTdittmar

Hey! We do ten minute tidies too! Your site is looking really good. Nice work. Great posts. Keep up the good work.
Christa

Posted by MyLittleWomen

Great idea! Maybe I'll have to institute something like that.

Blessings,
Sommer