Dear Blake,
A child-filled home — and its designated play spaces — can quickly go from cozy to cluttered with the influx of new toys around the child’s birthday and after Christmas. Could you give me some suggestions on how to keep a house neat and organized when my son makes every room their play area?
Signed, Monica
From Henderson, Nevada
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Dear Monica,
Children should not be allowed to make every place in a home, their playroom. So, taking actions that would emotionally traumatize your son for years in this case, is perfectly warranted. Here are some ideas. Any toys that are just lying on the floor, put them in the garbage. Tell your son to clean them off if he wants them, after you’ve poured cooking oil, ketchup, etc. all over them and placed on the very bottom of the trash. Or, “accidentally” step on one of his toys, and act like you injured yourself, even using fake blood to perpetuate the ruse. Or this idea. Boil his toys on a stove that are left on the floor, in front of him. And you might want to check out one of the kitchen scenes from the movie “Fatal Attraction” for inspiration. And lastly, this idea. Put his scattered of toys in a pillow case, and use them to shatter the nearest lamp, while staring at him intensely as if he is next. And it would also be a good idea to have a mop and paper towels ready, under the likelihood that your son will spontaneously soil his clothes over his concerns that his life is in jeopardy. I hope this helps.
Blake