Ask Ollie
Beat the Song Tidy-Up Race
Here's one to try together!
Can you make the living room sparkle before your favorite song ends? Press play and race the music!
Reviewed by our team.
Safety first
- small items picked up while tidying may be a choking risk for younger children
- rushing can lead to tripping over clutter or bumping into furniture
What you need
- Phone, 1 favorite song and something to play it on
- Phone, camera for before and after photos (optional)
How to do it
Grown-up prep: Pick one favorite song, about 3 to 4 minutes long, and get it ready to play. Clear any big trip hazards from the walkways. If a younger sibling is nearby, scoop up tiny pieces like beads, coins or small toy parts yourself first, since little things can be a choking risk. Grab your phone if you want before-and-after photos.
- Stand in the doorway and look at the messy room. Ask: What's the messiest spot you can see? What should we tackle first?
- Choose one favorite song to be your race timer.
- Make a quick plan: who tidies toys, books, and cushions?
- Press play and start tidying! Speed-walk, don't run.
- Keep going and listen for the end of the song. Ask: Do you think we'll beat the song? How much is left to do?
- When the music stops, freeze! Then take an 'after' photo.
- Celebrate your win, or plan to beat the song next time!
- Now race again, or invite a friend to join! Which song is next? Ask: Who else could join your tidy-up team?
Play it again
- Color sort: tidy only one color of toys at a time, then switch.
- Shorter song: pick a quick song and see if you can still win.
- Beat your best: race the same song each day and see if you finish sooner.
Kids loved this? There are more where it came from.
Get 3 free ideas a dayTurn "I'm bored" into "let's do something together!" 3 free ideas a day, picked for your kids.