
One study in Environment and Behavior 2 found that messy classroom environments can have a dramatic effect on how some children are able to learn, concentrate, and perform. The same goes for children, who may not understand that it’s the clutter causing them to act out, express frustration, have trouble focusing, feel anxious, etc. Even if we aren’t consciously aware of it. When we live in a state of clutter or half-finished projects, it causes our brain to constantly shift focus (should I tidy that up now or wait until later? Should I finish building that tower…or move onto something else?). Playing and living within a more organized, clutter-free environment also contributes to a child’s emotional health by reducing stress and enhancing focus. Montessori's work is confirmed by modern researchers.įor example, researchers from the University of Minnesota found that when children were given age-appropriate chores, they developed a greater sense of self-reliance, responsibility, and mastery. She called this the sensitive period for order which starts at birth, peaks at 18 months to 2.5 years, and continues to age five. Years ago, Maria Montessori, discovered that children have an inborn passion for order, consistency, established routines, and repetition. Teaching children to clean up after themselves is not only practical, it also helps set them up for future success while enhancing their mental and emotional development and well-being.
#Tidy up song for early years how to#
We’ll discuss why it’s important for them to help clean up, plus offer tips on what’s appropriate for different ages, how to make clean-up fun, and how to restructure your child’s play space to make cleaning up a whole lot easier. In this article, we’ll share what helped us make this happen with our young children. With a little preparation, organization, and commitment you can get your family on a fuss-free clean up routine in almost no time flat. Getting children to consistently participate in tidying up is a challenge nearly all parents face.īut there is a light at the end of the play tunnel. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’re in good company. So much for that “magical” time of day, huh? So you wind up spending a good portion of your “me time” cleaning up everyone elses messes.

and suddenly everyone forgot about tidying up. But then the evening routine kicked into high gear, dinner needed to get made, homework completed, pajamas found and put on, etc. Sure, you meant to make them tidy up before bath time. Then you see it…the explosion of toys your kids left behind from a day of creative play. And you finally have some time to spend by yourself or reconnecting with your partner.

There’s nothing like that magical moment at the end of the day.
