Posted by Julie Signore on August 06, 1998 at 10:17:33:
In Reply to: Organizing a Playroom posted by Becky on August 04, 1998 at 21:14:32:
: I'd really like to be able to both have a family room and also a place where the kids can play. But it's almost always a disaster down there...the kids have toys all over the place. I've tried boxes with pictures (my kids are just learning to read)...I've tried shelving, I've even tried just putting two large plastic storage containers down there and making them pick up after they are done. Nothing seems to be working...and I'm tired of the mess and not being able to use my family room!
Aloha Becky!
First of all -- please excuse my absence -- Had problems w/netscape since I visited a website a week ago!
Becky, I read the posts & I also see you have been in great hands in my absence!! Chris gave you some marvelous ideas!!! (GREAT job Chris!!) I'm going to add in another *tip* here from my book:
#174. During the course of each month hold a family auction where everyone must purchase their items back from you. The form of purchase can be completing a particular chore of your choice. Never return an item prematurely, or the lesson will be repeated. One game without your child’s valuable baseball mitt will not be a lesson easily forgotten.
This concept works well w/kids ( & spouses!!) regardless of their age (you didn't mention how old they are) ...encouraging them to pick up after playing w/their toys is an important skill to establish at a very early age. (now it's toys ...when they become adults it'll be paper) ..so starting these life skills now is important.
There are suggestions in this website for "running a family meeting" (check the family schedules area as well as tips in the current newsletter) ...at the meeting mention the creation of a "family auction" & see what happens. The important thing is that YOU don't become the person that is constantly picking up after everyone else. And you have every right to want portions of your family room to enjoy yourself! :)
One other thing I thought of...you mentioned a frugal budget....would it be conducive in this room to purchase a Shoji room divider or similar type of divider to allow your kids a space to play AND for you to relax, w/out putting up a real barrier?? Of course the divider doesn't mean "out of site out of mind" ...they still need to pick up their toys when finished (if you pick them up they become *yours* and they go into the "family auction" :)
Keep in mind that kids will do what they see ...more than do what they hear :) In this regard make sure you pick up after yourself in the family room too :) leading by example is very powerful.
Good luck & please keep us posted!
Much Aloha,
Julie Signore - CEO
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