Teenagers often struggle to keep their rooms clean and organized due to a mix of developmental, psychological, and lifestyle factors.

1. Busy Schedules: With school, house chores, extracurricular activities, social lives, and possibly part-time jobs, they may feel too overwhelmed or tired to clean regularly.

2. Executive Functioning Skills: Teens are still developing the executive functioning skills needed for organization and time management, which can make it challenging to keep up with regular cleaning habits.

3. Priorities and Motivation: Cleaning might not feel as urgent or important to them as it does to adults. They might also feel more motivated by tasks that have immediate rewards or are more engaging.

4. Emotional and Mental Factors: Teens go through significant emotional changes. Sometimes, a messy room can be a reflection of stress, anxiety, or even depression.


So, how can parents help?

1. Model Clean Habits: Show them by example. When teens see their parents maintaining an organized space, they may be more inclined to adopt similar habits.

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid expecting perfection. Instead, help them set small, achievable goals like making their bed daily or putting clothes in a hamper.

3. Encourage Routine: Help them create a weekly routine for tidying up. For example, every Sunday afternoon can be designated as cleaning time, with some reminders if needed.

4. Break Down Tasks: Divide cleaning into manageable steps (e.g., picking up clothes, clearing the desk, making the bed), which makes the task feel less daunting.

5. Offer Incentives: Create simple rewards like extra screen time, a favorite treat, or extra privileges for keeping their room tidy. Acknowledge and reward consistency over time in addition to one-off tasks completed.

6. Provide Tools for Organization: Simple tools like hampers, storage boxes, and shelves can make it easier for them to organize and put things away quickly. You can also encourage them to save their own money towards buying such organization tools.

7. Respect Their Space: Allow them some freedom in their room’s organization and style, which can help them take more responsibility and pride in maintaining it. Announce before you enter their room and knock on the door. This may create a sense of urgency for them to do the needful.

8. Declutter and Donate: Cultivate the habit of regular decluttering of, not just your teenager’s space, but the entire house. Avoid hoarding unnecessary clothes, shoes, books, and packages. Identify old items that you don’t really need anymore; give them out to charity or for recycling.

9. Communicate Effectively: Instead of nagging, have a calm conversation about the importance of cleanliness, how it is part of our deen, how it affects their well-being, and how it can make them feel more in control. Offer support, not criticism. Instead, ask if they need help getting organized or if they’d like to tackle the cleaning together occasionally. Acknowledge their busy lives and the challenges they face with time management, which shows understanding, builds trust, and encourages positive change.

© Doctor KT