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[quote=Anonymous]PP here who was asking about the kids ages.  I have a 3 & 6 year old so similar ages, though I understand a 1 year old would really throw a wrench in things...

A year or so ago I was feeling the same way as you, and realized that the preschool that my kids went to doesn't look like a shit show, and there's good reason for that.

The reason, IMO, is consistency and routine.

I started 1 thing at a time and focused on it exclusively until it became a part of their lives, and then I moved on to the next thing.

So for example, I noticed when the kids all went into the preschool, they took their shoes off, put them in the cubby, hung up their coats on the hook over their cubby etc etc.

There was a spot for everything.  It was clear where everything needed to go.  And the teachers helped each student learn the process until it became second nature.

I basically implemented that at home.  Now when they come in, their shoes come off and go into a bin, their coats go on these little hooks, and their hats/glasses/whatever go into this drawer.

At first, I had to physically block and redirect them every time they went into the house and guide them through the steps.  But then it becomes a habit and they don't even think about it anymore.  It's just how it's done.

So my suggestion is to divide into regions, and have a clear plan for each area.

Play room: Maybe things just go in bins and you give up on keeping everything in a "spot".

Living room / Dining room: Maybe you say this is a no toy zone, and any toys left out in these areas will be put away for a while

Bed rooms: Give each kid 3 bins plus a small shelving unit to display stuff.  Before the kids get their video time, rooms must be tidied (or whatever the carrot is).[/quote]

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