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Originally Posted by Surfacing  I need this group. 
15 minute thingy a little while ago - I changed the bed sheets, folded some laundry, started a load and put one in the dryer. Tidying downstairs of the diningroom table.
HOW CAN I GET THE REST OF MY FAMILY TO BE MORE TIDY AND ORGANIZED?????
It's weird. I grew up in a household where both my parents were pretty organized and tidy (or at least I knew they *could* be). But my dh and dd1 don't do things like shut a drawer after they open it, or shut a cupboard after they open it. They both take things off and leave them RIGHT THERE where they put them. That's hard. I never grew up with people like that, we all put things back where they belonged most of the time. Sigh. Breathe..... let it go...... [thanks for letting me vent - any words of wisdom? it's just that it's stressful for me sometimes.  Anyhow, that's not what this thread is for!]
To do more 15 min stuff - the upstairs bathroom toilet and sink needs attention. |
Welcome to this thread! It's really good that you're so organized. At the very least, you're a good example for your family. There are many ways to get spouses and children involved in cleaning and organizing. You could start with one habit (like making their beds in the morning or closing cupboard doors, for example) and let them practice the habit for a few weeks before introducing another habit. You could make it fun. If they're successful, they can each pick a special activity that they want to do or a restaurant to eat at, etc.
I come from a family where my mom ran around picking up after us all day("us" being a husband and 7 daughters). As an adult, I left cupboard doors open, tossed my coat on the chair, kicked my shoes off in the middle of the floor (and left them there until there were so many pairs of shoes I could no longer walk--lol), and I was ALWAYS putting things down anywhere that was momentarily convenient. Sometimes I still do, but I'm more aware of that behavior these days.
Another idea: maybe you can make it a game and give each child (and/or your husband) a task that they can complete in fifteen minutes. That way they'll know it won't take a long time--so it won't seem as daunting. And then there can be immediate Family Fun Time--something like a special dinner, movie, a Saturday at the beach or even a board game. Just some ideas. Good luck!
. wish me luck!
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No time to post now but I read your post - thank you. 
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