Kids learn fast, but sometimes it’s hard to get them interested in housework. However, it is worth the shot! Involving the children in the cleaning routine will reduce the household workload while teaching them a few crucial skills.
Are you not sure where to begin? Here are a few tips to keep in mind when teaching your children about cleaning chores.
Tip #1: Start by explaining “why”
If your children don’t know the purpose of cleaning, why should they care? You can start by telling them about germs and allergies. Let them know how cleaning can save them the stomach ache and the visit to the doctor’s office.
Besides, cleaning and tidying up is a great way to care for their things. Explain to them that someone could easily step on toys on the floor—breaking the toy or causing an accident. From toddlers to school-age, all kids can understand these reasons!
Tip #2: Focus on specific actions
General instructions like “clean up your room” can sound like a bigger challenge than they really are. Besides, children don’t have the same experience as you when it comes to cleaning, and they might have issues understanding what they should do.
Instead, you can assign them specific actions, like “pick that toy” or “wipe the table.” Concrete tasks won’t leave room for doubt, and your kid will easily picture what they are supposed to do.
Tip #3: Don’t use cleaning as a punishment
Saying that nobody likes cleaning isn’t so far from the truth. Maybe it’s because of this general aversion to cleaning that many parents use chores for disciplining their kids. However, using chores as punishment could teach your kids that cleaning is a bad thing.
If you want to teach the value of cleaning to your children, never use a chore as a punishment. Instead, as mentioned in the first tip, explain to your children that cleaning is something people have to do to live in a healthy space.
Tip #4: Assign age-appropriate tasks
Some cleaning chores are more challenging than others, and you should keep this in mind when it’s time to assign duties to your children. In other words, a toddler won’t be able to manage the cleaning tasks as a 10-year old kid.
Trusting a young child with a task that exceeds their skill level will only leave your home messier and your kid frustrated. Instead, check the age-appropriate chores for your kid and stick to the list.
Tip #5: Remember they are not expert cleaners
Let’s be honest: at first, your kids won’t get perfect cleaning results. It might be tempting to do the chores yourself, especially when short of time. However, letting your kids participate in the household routine is also helpful for them for two reasons:
- Your kids will feel valued because they are helping the household.
- Cleaning can teach them several essential skills they can use later in life—including teamwork.
Besides, if you teach them patiently, your kids will be helping effectively in no time.
Let us do the chores while you spend time with your family!
Are you in Mobile, AL? Maids á la Mode can help you keep your home spotless. Let one of our trustworthy professionals tackle your chores with safe supplies and proven techniques.