When you call 911 because there is a distinct and suspicious
odor in the neighborhood and the culprit turns out to be two
pairs of sneakers, three pairs of underwear and a dozen or more
hotdog remnants of unknown origin and vintage found under your
child's bed, it's past time to get your child's room organized! 

When your child has gotten lost for hours in the mounds of
clutter trying to find his way from the bed to the door, it's
haven't reached that stage yet, there is still hope!
Here are some tips to help you teach your children neatness
and organization:

1. Your child learns by example. If the only clear area of 

   your home is the path from the sofa to the television to 

   the refrigerator and back, then it's time to commit to 

   organizing your home! Make the process a family project 

   so that your children can learn that everyone must pitch 

   in to keep the home tidy.

2. Establish a routine and stick with it! Teach your child that
   beds are made and toys are picked up every day. It is easier
   for a child to clean a room a little every day, rather than
   be faced with a huge mess all at once.

3. Provide plenty of storage - shelves, plastic storage
   containers, hampers, etc. Create a special storage area
   out of a plastic storage unit made for storing garden tools.
   Attach laundry bags in colorful colors to the hooks meant
   for rakes and shovels. Spray paint the unit in a cheerful
    color to match the room. Voila! A fun storage area!

4. Reward your child's cleaning and organizing efforts with
   fun! Make a checklist of tasks with a reward when the tasks
   are completed such as permission to watch a favorite show,
   time to play a favorite computer game, a special story time
   with you or staying up an hour past bedtime. Simple rewards
   such as these will provide an incentive to keep up the good
   work! Make a game of cleaning! This works especially well
   with young children. A game of "Pick Up" to see which of you
   can pick up more clothes within a certain time limit or a
   game of "Hide the Clothes in the Hamper" will make cleaning
   more fun!

5. Be specific. Telling a child to "clean that room" can set
   the stage for failure and frustration. The task may seem
   overwhelming! But telling your child to pick up the clothes
   which are on the floor allows your child to focus in on a
   specific, achievable task.

6. Limit the amount of "stuff" your child has. Once a month, go
   through your child's room together and give toys and clothes
   that have been outgrown and are no longer needed to those
   less fortunate. Not only will your child's room stay cleaner,
   but they will learn a valuable lesson in sharing and giving.
   Although you may think it inevitable, the process of keeping
   your child's bedroom clean need not be a war! If you are
   consistent with the rules, your child will learn what is
   expected and do it (eventually!). If you are inconsistent,
   you have already lost the battle! Better stock up on flashlights
   and compasses in case you need to find your way to their closet!