 | Here is the one I would use for that specific example when my daughter was 5. I would tell her very clearly that the things she didn't put away were the things that I would know she no longer wanted. I would show her a big giant trash bag and tell her that if the room wasn't all picked up within a certain amount of time, I would come in and put everything that was not picked up in the bag and it would be put away for X number of days. When she was 5 it would only be for 2-3 days at the most- otherwise she would forget about the things. And she would scream and cry and beg for another chance while I was putting one thing after another into the bag. So for 2 days, she would go to get something that was put in the bag and then realize she lost it just because she chose not to put them away when she was asked to. And I would take EVERYTHING!!! Clothes, toys, games no matter how big or small- it was GONE! When I did give them back it was with the understanding that they would be put away, or they would be taken for another 2 days. It works especially well when a favorite toy or piece of clothing was in the bag. I'd just say, OH WELL, in 2 days when you get it back I'm sure you'll put it away when you're asked to. Do Not sneak anything out early!!!! Even if you want her to wear a cetain thing that has been stored, the whole things crumbles if you don't hold out and keep everything in the bag.
I did it for several years when she wouldn't get busy cleaning. It got to the point that all I had to do was walk past her room and shake the bag without even saying a word- she would jump back to work. She's 11 now and I haven't had to do it for at least 3 years. Her room still gets very messy, but now when I tell her to clean it- she does.
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