Hey Countrygirl,
As far as the shoe things, I have a family of 5.. all of whom sometimes feel they don't have to put their sneakers, boots or whatever on the rack.. but leave them for everyone to trip over as you come in the door.
My solution.. "at the supper table I made an annoucement.. "I was tired of tripping over all the footwear being left at the door and that if they weren't put away..and that each person is responsible to put their footwear away.. not ME! If they chose not to put their footwear away, then they would find them on the front lawn the next time I found them there."
The next time I found footwear, in front of the door, and not on the rack...Boom! I calmly opened up the door and "biffed" them out onto the front lawn. As family members gradually came and kept saying ,"I can't find my sneakers, did anyone see them?" I said "Have a good look for them first, and if you can't find them.. check the FRONT LAWN."
Hey, don't knock it.. IT WORKS FOR ME!.
signed.
The mother who was tired of falling over the boots.
Special K