Many of my clients with children ask me about ways to motivate their kids to put things away and pick up after themselves. There is no magic wand to wave, but you can lead by example and set standards within your own household. My recent visit to Amish country made me notice what hard workers they are and how everyone in their families, from the oldest to the youngest, pitches in and contributes to the family work ethic. In their society, children learn by doing and contribute to the upkeep of the home, both indoors and out. There is no arm twisting, bribing, shouting, or incentive system needed to get the children to do their work/chores, it is just what is expected – and what many of us could learn from. It is all about expectations and how we set and communicate them. When was the last time you set some expectations for your household, or, led by example by getting your own things organized before you asked others in your household to do the same?
