Life with kids can sometimes get a little messy, to say the least. Toys find their way into every part of the house, dishes double, food spills are plenty, and don’t get me started on all the spilled bits of Play-Doh or worse-- slime! Plus, we’re often too busy juggling so many other things -- or just chasing after our kids -- that dedicating time to clean consistently can be tough.
But just because your kids helped make the mess doesn’t mean they can’t help clean it up! With just a few quick tips and tricks, you’ll have your little ones helping around the house in no time.
Start Them Young
Starting good habits when your kids are young sets them up for long-term success. In fact, toddlers as young as 12 months old can begin helping with some basic household chores, like putting toys back in their toybox. As they get older, you can include them in more chores, like sweeping or wiping down their play area with a damp cloth. Sure, it may not always be perfect, but a few extra crumbs on the floor are worth it for teaching such a great habit.
Make a Game of it
Who doesn’t love playing games? It’s a great way to bond with your kids and turn a boring task into a fun activity. Who can make their bed the fastest, or sweep the floor? Who can fold and put away the most laundry in 15 minutes? You can even combine a few chores to make a fun relay event! Remember, laughter makes the work seem way more like play!
Create a Home Cleaning Chart
A fun chart is a great way to make sure everyone in the house knows what they’re responsible for and keeps everyone accountable for their chore! Make it eye-catching and place it in a popular spot in your home. You can even have your kids help you create one -- as long as they help clean up the craft supplies afterward.Use a Reward System
Let’s face it, we all need a little incentive to get our chores done sometimes. For me, a clean, empty sink is enough motivation to get the dishes done. To motivate your kids to do them, though, you might have to get a little creative.
For older kids and teenagers, this may mean an allowance or pay-per-chore system. Besides getting them to clean, this also helps teach your kids about the value of every dollar, which may make them think twice the next time they ask you for money. For younger kids and toddlers, rewards can be as simple as a special sticker or letting them pick a movie for the family to watch together.
Make it Musical
Whether it’s the soundtrack of an actual musical (they are so much fun to clean to!) or just a favorite album, this is a great way to add a little fun into your cleaning routine. Encourage your kids to clean to the beat, sing along loudly, or just bust a move between chores. You’ll turn cleanup time into party time!
Switch Up Your Cleaning Supplies
Not all cleaning tools or cleaning products will work for kids. Brooms and mops may be too big for little kids, and household cleaning products are often full of chemicals that aren’t safe for kids. To help with cleaning, give your kids only kid-friendly products to work with, like a damp cloth or a small duster. Did you know you can also buy toddler-sized brooms and dustpans? Not only are these mini-tools totally adorable, but they’re also functional and fun for your toddler to use. Lead by Example
Young kids and toddlers love mimicking their parents. Sometimes this means dress-up parties in your clothes, cooking alongside you, or pretending to be on important phone calls or meetings with their dolls and stuffed animals. Why not extend this to cleaning? If you have fun while cleaning, your kids will want to join in too!
Remember, getting kids to clean doesn’t have to be hard. Just focus on having fun and building a consistent cleaning routine -- and be patient when the kiddos take a little longer to get things done that you would have. Building good habits can take some time!
Not sure where to start with your cleanup? For big jobs or just to give yourself and your family a reset, hire a cleaning service.
Have you tried any of the above or have other tips or tricks that have worked with your kids? Share them below!
**About the Author: Linda Floyd**
Linda Floyd is the owner of Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning Service. Linda is a mother of 3, loves to travel and spend time with her family.
Gravatar email is upstairsdownstairscleaning@gmail.com
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