Organizing a LARGE Household
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This Topic was inspired by a visit to one of our favorite web sites, eGroups Large Family Message Board
I posed the question there and here are the responses:


Picking up Blocks by Lisa S.

I have a great idea for picking up blocks (legos, army men, anything small). We have a special rug that can be rolled up easily by any child old enough to be playing with these toys in the first place. You gotta start 'em young, but this idea saves my sanity: When they get out the blocks, they get out the rug (stored near the blocks). They HAVE TO STAY ON THE RUG. If they refuse (they might, the first few times), then the blocks are IMMEDIATELY put away. Even if they swear to stay on from now on, once they purposefully walk off the rug, blocktime is over. They learn quick. Consistency is key, here. Anyway, when it comes time to clean up, it's very easy to put the blocks away because they are all in one relatively small space. An older child will develop his own "roll and pour" style. My oldest child will pile all the toys in the center of the rug, then tilt the rug over the bucket, "pouring" the blocks in. What to do with "stray" blocks? Call the child back in to put them away? NEVER!! Simply store the ones that 'get away' in the vacuum cleaner.

Response to Picking up Blocks by Dave C.

I bought the kids two rugs a few years ago at Lowes Home Improvement store. One has city streets on it and the other has a construction site decoration. We have used this idea with leggos and toy cars. I
don't know if Lowes still has these rugs for sale, but it might be worth looking.


 

 

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