My Kid's Messy Room

Can we just say DISASTER AREA!! No, the above is not a picture of my child's room, though it very easily could be. My 5 year old's room should have a sign on the door that reads "Enter at your own risk" followed by "We are not responsible for any injuries obtained while in this area". Seriously, it can get THAT bad. Oh, and it's all MY fault!

Yep, that's right. The word "fault" implies a sense of responsibility, which kids are not automatically born with. It's up to us as parents to teach them. And all that "stuff" that ends up in piles scattered all over his bedroom floor; he didn't go out and buy all of it, we did! Or family and friends did. Yes, we celebrate birthdays and Christmas, and allow family and friends to buy presents. So, every new toy that comes into this house is something that we have allowed. 

Usually, at least twice a year, I go through all of his toys and clothes, to clean out and declutter. However, that does not take away from the fact that he stills has much more than most 5 years old's have, and much, much more than any 5 year old NEEDS. 

Messy room vs. clean room....

Yesterday, I took the time to get into my son's room and clean and organize. When I was done, he walked in there and was very appreciative. "WOW!! It's all clean, thank you Momma!!" 

He loves it when his room is clean, but truth is, he loves it when it's a mess, too. What may look like a disaster area to me, is still his room to him, and for the most part, when his room is a total wreck, you can ask him where something is, and he will go straight to it. 

I am one to always say, "Everything has a place!". Even though my house does not always resemble that, nevertheless, it does not take away from the fact that there IS a place for everything. Well, to him, in the midst of all the wreckage, everything IS in its place. 

Messy or not, a child's room is like their sanctuary. It is the one place they can go to that it THEIRS. So, while I will teach my son responsibility, I will also NOT be one to constantly nag him about cleaning his room. Don't get me wrong, because I will not allow it to be dirty and gross (there is a difference), but part of teaching him responsibility is to allow him to be responsible. 

For now, I will continue to clean his room and declutter every so often, but he will get to the age one year where I just won't do it anymore, and it will be his responsibility to clean it...or not!