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How do I get my kids to make their beds?
When I look at my kids' beds each day, I feel like a failure.
Their blankets are strewn in all sorts of mysterious positions: at the foot of the bed, in the space between the bed and the wall, on top of their pillows. I hit the roof recently when my youngest daughter began tossing hers on the floor.
I guess I could start withholding allowance, computer time, TV time and food. But then I wonder if it's worth it. Does it really matter if they make their beds?
The mistake I made is not drilling in the bedmaking habit when they were little. Warning to parents of little ones: Teach your kids the advantages of a neat bed. They will be able to find things better! It looks good! And visitors will be impressed!
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Comments
This on sticks me because how can I teach my 5-yo to make her bed, if Mommy and Daddy's bed is not being made? My husband is still in bed when my daughter and I leave in the morning and there is no amount of convincing my husband to make our bed.
I just feel like a hypocrite to demand her bed gets made if the other bed is not. I was raised by a "do as I say, not as I do" mom and it just creates resentment and bad habits later on.
I try to make our bed when I get home from work at 7pm - but that doesn't always happen. I will either make her bed as she dresses in the morning or ask her to as a pull her clothes out, but I'm not consistent about it.
Posted by: Erin | July 14, 2009 2:54 PM
It's easy. You tell them "make your bed" and then stand there and watch them do it. If they ask why or anything like it just tell them you are the parent and they are the child and they are to obey. Period. Does anyone having any control over their kids anymore? You're their parent, not their buddy. They should listen to you and do what you say.
Posted by: Simple | July 14, 2009 4:17 PM
I don't have kids, but I have gotten my boyfriend's 3 year old to make her bed. Of course, its easier to create a habit if you start them young. She knows its part of her morning routine (just like brushing her teeth and getting dressed). It makes her feel like a "big girl" and she insists on doing as much of it as possible on her own.
Posted by: Kay | July 15, 2009 12:54 PM