Let your child play with only a few things at a time so that cleanup is not overwhelming.

Create a routine around cleanup. Maybe it always happens after dinner but before dessert. Or maybe it happens Saturday morning before anything “more fun” can start. Whatever schedule you choose, be consistent, build in an incentive, and start as young as possible.

Make a simple visual chart of what you expect from cleanup. Show your child how to do each task before you expect him to try it. Make a copy of the chart so that he can check off each task as he completes it.

Give a five-minute warning before cleaning up. Some kids may need an actual countdown.

Be as specific as possible. Don’t say “We need to clean up the playroom.” Ask your child to put the blocks back in the box and put the box on the shelf, for example.