Bedroom cleaning checklist

In my last post I told you about how difficult it was to get J to clean his room. I also shared with you what J's ADHD Dr. suggested I try. I mentioned that he said to create a check list for J to refer to. ADHD children tend to be very visual learners. Check lists really help J and he does well with them.

I know what my idea of a check list is but I have heard from J that sometimes I make them TOO long. Or he doesn't exactly understand what I mean. So, off to the web I went. I entered in a few simple words, "easy bedroom check list for kids." Third listing down I found a great link. I highly recommend you take a look at it. Bedroom Cleaning for Kids One of the best ideas the article had was to label where things went. Example: Place a "Shirts" label on the shirt drawer of the dresser. Again, back to the visual ques.

With these recommendations in mind I created a simple checklist.

Example:

[   ] All trash picked up
[   ] All bedding on the bed
[   ] All dirty clothes in the basket
[   ] All toys picked up
[   ] Book shelf is neat
[   ] Clothes are folded and put in the dresser neatly

I added a simple picture

And a colorful title to attract his attention. Let's face it, even adults hate looking a check lists. Let's make it fun to look at!

After that I printed out the check list and placed it in one of those plastic protector sheets. This will allow J to make a check with a dry erase marker that can be removed later. I then taped it close. J is sneaking and I can see him pulling the list out and it disappearing. Using 4 small Velcro squares I attached the list to his full length mirror where it would be easy for him to see and reach. Because the protective sheets are meant to go into a binder they have the 3 holes on the side. I took a piece of twine and attached it to one of the holes. Then I attached it to the dry erase marker with tape. 

And there I had it, affordable reusable checklist! lol Now, lets see if it will work.

Clean your bedroom!!!

I don't know how many other parents deal with the stress known as their ADHD'ers bedroom but it is a CONSTANT source of struggle for us.

Last week we went to J's ADHD dr and I asked him about this and explained how much of a fight it was. I explained that it usually ended in a major meltdown.

Here is what he suggested:

First off, make up a check list that he can see spelling out what you consider a clean room. Keep is age appropriate.

Tell him on Saturday morning that it is (whatever time it might be) and he has until 9am Monday morning to clean his room. That you will remind him only once a day that his room needs to be cleaned.

(After you make sure he understands what you have just told him go to the next step of your explanation.)

Next explain to him the he leaves for school at 7am (Whatever time he leaves) and that at 9am you will go in there and clean it how you expect it to be cleaned. Make him understand that at 9am he will NOT be there to protect all his little precious treasures.

This seemed to make an impact on J for a few minutes. I'll admit, he's room is still a disaster but I fully intend to get in there on Monday morning and prove to him I wasn't kidding. J's dr made it a point to stress the importance of following through. Mind you, I don't plan on throwing away the stuff that is really important to J. I just plan to hide it for a while to make an impact. Sometimes drastic situations need drastic measures take to clear them up.