Organize a Ransom Box + Freebie Friday
I kept coming across the idea of a toy jail/toy ransom box for items the kids don’t put away and thinking, “I should totally do that.” It’s such a great idea! I just could never seem to find the time to do it. But last weekend was sort of a perfect storm. I had just reread Aby’s tip to create a toy jail and also saw a couple pins on Pinterest for toy ransom boxes. Plus, it was the kind of weekend where the kids were just making messes and walking away, leaving a trail of chaos in their wake. Tell me it isn’t just my kids who do this, OK?
“That’s it,” I silently declared. I marched downstairs, found a storage tub, and got to work. The things they’d already been asked to pick up and were still lying about? Into the ransom box they went. And now? They belong to me!
To get an item back, the girls have to draw a slip from the envelope. Each slip should take them 10 minutes or less to accomplish, but I made sure to point out that 10 minutes is way longer than it would take to simply put their things away when asked. I included jobs that always need doing around the house (clean the front door windows), funny things (sing a song about why you will never leave your things out again), and surprising things (get out of jail free).
Now, don’t tell my girls, but I actually feel a little excited for them to leave stuff out now. Just picture me drumming my fingertips together and laughing maniacally, because that’s basically how it makes me feel. But that’s way better than feeling so frustrated over their clutter, right? And then when they earn their things back, we are all happy.
Anyway, that is just one of the great ideas that Aby shares in her Organizing with Your Kids online workshop. Could you use more ideas and help like this? Well, lucky readers, you can use this coupon code TEAMUP2 to save 15% off on this workshop now through May 3 (may not be combined with other coupon codes / offers). Also, one extra lucky reader will be selected at random for a free spot in this workshop! Here’s how to enter this giveaway (up to three chances to win):
- Leave a comment below saying what you’d ask your child to do to get their belongings back.
- Tweet about this giveaway, then come back and leave another comment letting us know you did.
- Pin an image from this post on Pinterest, then leave another comment letting me know you did.
The giveaway ends on Monday, April 30, 2012, and the winner will be notified by email. Good luck!
Happy organizing!
**Comments are now closed! Thanks so much for entering. 
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Check toilet paper and restock in each bathroom.
Dust stuff at their height level and below ( I’m thinking of the heaters in the living room and hallway.
Check and fill the cats dry food
Bring recyclables to the garage
Check toilet paper and restock in each bathroom.
Dust stuff at their height level and below ( I’m thinking of the heaters in the living room and hallway.
Check and fill the cats dry food
Bring recyclables to the garage
Love that the punishments aren’t all punishments and they take longer than putting the items away.
My almost 3 year old is not really able to do ten minute chores yet but I’ll take some help with dusting.
I’d ask them to load or unload the dishwasher.
Great giveaway!
I pinned an image on Pinterest!
I like this idea! I’d have the offenders fold towels, clear all clutter off their desk, and match all the socks that come through the laundry. As they get older, I’ll get more creative
Thanks for the giveaway!
Empty the car trash can/ pickup all the trash in the car
Sweep front porch
I just sent this post to a bunch of my friends as I agree with most of what you’re saying here and the way you’ve presented it is awesome.
Your tips are cool, it helps kids motivated to clean up their clutter and help organize stuffs inside the house.
I would have my son dry mop the floors downstairs. I could really use this workshop.
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