Where does your cup go?

As a teacher, I was very particular about things being left on the floor. Toys and things were fine when they were being used, or if you asked to leave them out for later. But, it drove me crazy when there were pencils, crayons, scissors, paper that kind of thing on the floor after the children were done with an activity. Now when they were in the midst of a creative project if things go dropped that was fine, but when you are done and cleaning up, pick them up off the floor!

One thing that I've started doing with Blake is getting him to pick up his cup and put it on the table when he is done drinking it. This is taking a while (ok I just started it with him over the weekend, but it feels like it has been forever!). Blake always has at least one water cup (usually two or three) in the living room (remember we live in Orlando.... you need to drink!) and often a milk or juice cup too. For a long time he would drink it and then just drop it wherever he was then go on to play. This led to many long hard searches for the milk cup... it was under the sink at least once, in the toy box, under chairs, in a drawer... you get the picture!

So, now that we are getting a bit older, and the new baby is on the way.... I've decided it is time for him to put the cup on a table when he is done. The first day was NOT fun... we got to play... if you aren't going to pick it up on your own, then I'll help you pick it up! He so hatesssss to have you hand-over-hand help him do ANYTHING!

Now we are getting a bit better... no we aren't to the point where he puts it on a table without reminders, but if reminded he does it on his own. And, if I'm not right next to him when he is drinking, I can walk him to the cup and he will do it when asked.

We are getting there! I figure a few more days or reminders and praise and he will be doing it on his own!