There’s this well-known quote that says, “Cleaning with kids in the house is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos.” -Unknown.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
If you’ve ever been in this situation of struggling to get the kids to help with the cleaning, we want to share some tips to get your kids pitching in without a fight.
Use the strategies below:
1. Remove the Concept That Cleaning Is a Punishment
We’ve all been there at one time or the other when our parents used extra chores as a punishment, when we did something wrong, leading to kids hating to clean even more.
Rather than making them feel as though cleaning is a chore or a punishment, try showing them that by getting things done around the house, you’re able to go and have fun afterward.
Plus, we recommend trying not to have a frustrated tone when addressing chores because this leads to kids being grumpy right back.
Don’t get us wrong. We understand that everyone has a bad day, and we don’t handle everything right, so that’s okay, but we’re just giving a generalized tip for the majority of the time.
2. Give Some Options
Having the ability to choose the chores they want to do can lead kids to feeling like they have a choice.
For example, with little kids, you can say, “would you like to clean up your blocks or put away your clothes?”
By doing this, your child feels more in control of what they’re doing, and they feel a part of the process.
3. Keep It Realistic
If there’s a lot to do around the house, it can feel overwhelming to adults and especially kids.
Set up realistic expectations of what has to happen that day and go from there.
If you’re able to get more in that day, great, but if not, that’s okay too. Everyone will feel a bit accomplished rather than feeling like they fell short.
4. Make It a Game
Kids love games. When you turn “chore time” into “fun time,” it can help the tasks get done quicker.
For example, you can make it a race. Set a timer and see who can get the chores done first.
Of course, you want to make it clear that it gets done correctly to win, but other than that, let your kids compete.
An activity like this can help your kids effectively clean because they want to be the winner.
5. Factor Clean-Up Time into Play Dates
Having a play date can be exciting, but it can also leave your house a mess.
To help prevent this, create an expectation that the areas they play need to be cleaned afterward.
Twenty minutes before their friend leaves, let them know it’s time to clean up.
You can give them the option to wait till their friend leaves or do it then and have their friend help.
More often than not, they will want to do it with their friend, because cleaning with someone else can make the time go by faster and be more fun.
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Keeping your home clean can often feel overwhelming. Contact Diamond Maids to help ease the burden.
