[Petie]

Originally Posted by sstarcake

This is a great thread. Eye opening, even. But what about the 3 year old that still says "NO!" to the direct command? That's where the 5 steps comes in, no?

The 5 steps in this house just end up looking like me (struggling to maintain my composure) physically dragging said 3 year old (who is doing the limp noodle thing, while whining "no....no....no....") around, cleaning up toys or whatever. Me holding her hand closed over the toy, then prying her hand open to release it into the box.....

At 3, for picking up shoes, I would try to make it a game.

"Uh OH!! THE SHOES ESCAPED!!!! HURRY, RUN, CATCH THEM BEFORE THEY GET AWAY!!!"

For the toys, Songs, or even breaking it down into smaller groups...

OK so now bring me all the red cars. Where do you think their home should be? Should we line them up, or stack them?


Also, realizing the limitations of a 3 yr. old, often times I would consider it a win if I got them to help me clean up. Expecting a 3 yr. old to honestly just clean may be beyond them at that point. Mine weren't reliable about picking up their toys, well honestly, only the older 3 have gotten to that point. Simon still goes limp at the thought of picking up his room.