We started habit training about a year ago. At first it went really well, but then we got stuck on the habit of order. I got so frustrated that I gave up for months, but now I really want to try again. I have three kids, ages 12, 8, and 4. The 12yo is doing OK. With a few reminders, he is picking up after himself more and more. However, I am not getting anywhere with the other two.
I really think if my 8yo were in school, she would be diagnosed with ADHD. Here is an example of the kind of thing that happens here all day, every day: The other day she took the step ladder outside to do something and then left it there. I told her to take it inside and put it back where it belongs in the laundry room. She put it right inside the front door. I told her again. She put it in the kitchen. I told her again. She put it in the wrong place in the laundry room. I told her again. She put it where it belongs. It's like she can't stay focused on what she's doing long enough to finish.
She is very creative and imaginative, and she's always got some complicated, messy project going. This means that all day long I find glue, scissors, the stapler, tape, paper, etc. all over the house. I'm contantly saying, "Who got out the glue? Please come put it away." Her little brother is following in her footsteps, and they make huge messes together.
I have thought of having a system where I pick things up that they leave out and they have to earn them back doing extra chores. But a lot of the time it's not their toys. They sweep and leave the broom out. They use my stapler and leave it out. They spill cottage cheese all over the floor and leave it. All day long I am either cleaning up their messes, or I'm nagging, and it's not working. How do I teach them this habit without nagging all day long?
