Parents Talk: My Kid's Bedroom Is a Mess—Now What?

Megan D February 22, 2013 at 12:19 pm

I used to get all worked up about my son's dresser because he refused to care that the clothes weren't folded neatly in a stack so he could easily see what was available to him for that morning. Suddenly it dawned on me while folding clothes one day when he insisted for a tenth time that he doesn't care if his clothes are folded... I didn't have to worry so much! So I stopped and yet my daughter did care for her folded stack so I only folded her clothes. Then about two years later my mom was visiting and carefully folded his dresser into an adult-friendly arrangement as well as his freshly cleaned clothes, and ever since then, he's been keeping a neat stack and folding his own clothes! Go figure!

James Sanna (Editor) February 22, 2013 at 01:11 pm

Teenagers are weird, that's for sure—and I say that as someone not too far removed from being one! I think I only started folding my clothes and keeping my room tidy when I decided that doing so was a mark of adulthood. Before then, no amount of parental cajoling or teasing could make me care.

Summom February 22, 2013 at 02:00 pm

You have to choose your battles. And I found that I was the only one getting upset. So close the door and ignore it.

Liz Larson February 22, 2013 at 04:20 pm

I agree with Summom

Bom February 22, 2013 at 04:36 pm

THat was also my solution but my DH had a more novel approach. Once when home by himself he taped her door shut like a crime scene. He used masking tape but he also wrote a note and pinned to tape. It stated in no uncertain terms that entering this room put your life in danger and we still have not found the last brave person.
Room was not really cleaned but little better picked up and it lasted for a day or so. P.S. She still has the note after many years!

Sue February 22, 2013 at 06:29 pm

My daughter's room is always messy. I used to get so angry! I'd yell, scream, threaten to take things away, etc. if she didn't keep it clean. It doesn't matter. She just doesn't care. I decided to let it go. If it really bugs me I'll pick it up. Not for her, but for me. As stated above, I realized it wasn't a battle worth fighting over. We have grades for that ;-)

yomammy February 24, 2013 at 06:45 pm

take the door off their room.

Sjoberg February 25, 2013 at 12:13 am

I agree with summom too. If a messy room is high on your concern list then your kid must be pretty good. Count your blessings and enjoy their childhood. It doesn't last long.

George February 28, 2013 at 04:30 pm

Who's the parent and who's the kid. If you tell them to clean their room they should clean it. But if you're going behind them and folding a teenagers clothes then why should they? They know you'll do it. Too many parents let their kids get away with too much because it's easier.

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