My kids have no idea what boundaries are.  They (Like most kids) think everything in the house is theirs.  I decided to put an end to it when I noticed most of their toys in my room.  My personal space began to look like Toys R US.

With three kids at home all day my house tends to see more mess these days.  I notice other people who have kids and their houses are decorated with nice things and all I can see are my kids putting that beautiful décor in their mouths! How come their houses are so clean and decked out?

So I started to realize:

I’ve become that mom/parent who has let my kids take over every aspect of my house (including my room)! It’s crazy! There’s toys everywhere, their clothes, and shoes.  They officially have no boundaries and I am 100 percent to blame

I officially was Fed Up.

How can I encourage them to play in their room?

How can I make it more inviting for them?

Obviously they love their house and feel comfortable here which I am so glad.  However, I deserve a space that is mine. A place to put my things without worrying about them touching or writing on my brand new comforter set (true story).

So here is how I started setting boundaries in my home.  How I implemented areas for my kids to enjoy different activities and of course space to have fun.   I don’t know about you, but seeing toys all over the place drives me crazy.  I believe in teaching rules and setting guidelines as early on as possible.

 

1. Set house rules

I think this is the most important one of all.  There’s always going to be rules your children need to follow, so why not start enforcing them in your home. I created a set of rules and posted them in a visual part of the house for my kids to see.  I go over the rules with them so they are clear and they understand what the expectations are.  Because I stay with them all day, it’s a lot of free play and fun, but I need to set the tone and take charge of my home.    The rules have a consequence and reward system.  It’s a great way to teach them to follow directions as well.

 

2. Organize the toys
   

   These are the bins I purchased from target. It has helped me tremendously. It also makes it easier for my kids to clean up.

One thing I noticed in my children’s room is that there are toys everywhere! I mean everywhere! So the first step is to get rid of unwanted/broken toys so they have more room.  I always thought I would buy cutesy toy boxes and shelves and then realized that the large totes from target would do just fine, for half the price.  I bought two large ones and organized all the toys.  Then I bought 3 medium sized ones with lids.  I used this for my son’s cars, Legos, and miscellaneous toys.  This way when they are cleaning up there’s a place for everything.  I put wagons and larger toys outside and it made more space for them.  So far so good.  This creates an inviting atmosphere for them to play.  They enjoy it more and want to be in there.

 

3. Explaining to them what’s not theirs.

Ultimately they need to understand when something doesn’t belong to them.  Kids tend to think that if it’s in their house, it’s theirs.  Not the case. They do understand and if you’re consistent enough they will get it.  They play in the living room, kitchen, and my room.  So what I have been doing is turning off the kitchen lights, shutting my bedroom door.  They are starting to grasp the concept that these rooms are off limits.

 

4. You create your own environment.

This is 100 percent my fault! I have allowed my kids to do crafts on the dining room table, watch TV in my room, and play with their toys in the living room.  They got used to that, and I never enforced it.  I kept wondering why there were toys all over the house? So I made sure that even if there were toys all over their room, which is ok as long as it’s not all over the house. It also makes it easier to keep the house clean.

 

5. Set designated areas.
   

   homework area

   

   Reading center for my kids.

I bought a small fold up table and I set it up outside or in their room (Depending on the activity) and now they know that this is home work time or craft time. I keep their crayons and markers in a pencil box it makes it easier for them to put things back when we’re done.

 

6. Tell them NO!

I have caught my kids jumping on beds, couches, and anything else they can find.  They have started to learn that they will NOT do this.  They don’t like it, but they will learn how to behave and this is one of the rules of the house.  Once I tell them no and they do not listen or acknowledge me (which happens a lot) I put them in time out accordingly.

 

 

I started this about a month ago and it seems to be working, especially with my oldest Isaac.  He is learning that he needs to use his listening ears and follow directions of the house.  For example, he would often run in the house and took this habit with him to school. So I started explaining to him that running is for outdoors and to use “walking feet” when inside.  He still does it from time to time, I just need to remind him.

Sometimes I hear him telling his little sister to follow the rules, which is great for me because it shows me that he is grasping the information.

 

Although my house isn’t decked out in décor I feel now I am able to do more (at least in my bedroom) without them coming in and touching it.  A friend of mine had her bedroom door closed and I thought it was a great idea, then I decided to implement it in my own home.

 

It hasn’t been easy it’s been tough reminding them and enforcing the rules, but it helps to keep the house organized especially if you have three busy kids.

I hope that some of these tips help you if you are going through this situation in your home.

Thanks for stopping by successful mommy advice! Keep sharing so that together we can strive for mommy success.

 

 

XOXO,

Reina