TIP of the WEEK: PWS and the Messy Room

We all know what this looks like- piles of seemingly disorganized hoard that mean the world to your child. There is hope for order without causing a meltdown!

1. Make sure everything has a place to go and they know what goes where. Simply saying “clean your room” will be meaningless in many cases. If you want toys or their collection off the floor then make sure there are labeled bins with words or pictures of what goes in each.

2. Catch it early. Waiting until their room is a fire hazard will only make the process more difficult. Make it part of their daily routine. Clothes hung up, floor clear of clutter etc…

3. Don’t expect perfection. Know what you will settle for and stick with it.

4. Be an example. If you don’t make your bed every day then asking your child to is futile. They will follow your lead.

5. Make donating unused toys part of their lives. Our kids are typically quite generous and like to bring joy to others. Throwing away toys or clothes may be one of life’s greatest challenges but explaining that other kids will benefit from their donation will be a much easier sell.

Whatever you choose to do be sure you stay consistent and positive. Nagging will not work and neither will ignoring the problem hoping it will stay the same or get better. It won’t! Once the routine of tidying up becomes part of their day you will see a calmer and less anxious child and definitely a calmer and less anxious you…

Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices.