Cleaning with kids can be fun. Here are a few ways to help make chore time something the whole family can look forward to. Bonus: make sure to keep reading to learn about a great deal for one of our new services!
Age-appropriate Chores
Create age-appropriate chores and expectations. This can help kids view to-do lists with less dread. If you give them too many chores or explain them too fast children can easily become overloaded and disinterested in helping. Look for chores that motivate your kids and discover ways you can allow them to lead the process so that cleaning is something everyone can pitch in with and not viewed as the dreaded chore or task list. This can help make cleaning a win-win for everyone.
Gamify Cleaning
Make cleaning more fun with games. Create a game out of each chore. For example, tell your kids they have 5, 10, or 15 minutes to do a particular task as fast as they can. Set the timer and check in on their progress. As the clock starts to run out of time, update them on how many more minutes are left on the clock. When finished, check to see how much they were able to accomplish in that particular time frame. If needed, you can set the clock again if they weren’t able to finish the entire task. Playing games can help make chore time more fun and even competitive.
Cleaning Basket
Provide your child with their own cleaning basket. Keep things in the basket that are fun and useful in helping your child complete their chore list. Be sure to make the basket and cleaning supplies age appropriate for each child. Include things like a duster, lint roller, spray bottle with water and or vinegar, rags, and baby wipes. Go ahead and give them a little project specific to them. They can then explore the various cleaning supplies you’ve provided in the basket that will help them get the job done.
Chore Cards
Create various chore cards for each room in your home and list specifics of each task. This way the child can read the card, or you can read it to them, so they know exactly what needs to be cleaned. They can then check off each item on the list to keep track of what’s been cleaned during the process. You can laminate the cards and include them in each of the cleaning baskets. The cards will help keep your child on task, so they know exactly what needs to be cleaned in each room.
Chore Chart
List the various chores you’d like your kids to accomplish throughout the week. Be specific with each chore you create and break down each task into specific details and place it on your chore chart. This way it is easy for kids to read the specific details that need to be accomplished with each task. Also, check to make sure that the chores have been completed to your satisfaction. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn your specific cleaning style and what your expectations are of them when cleaning the home. Figure out a fun way your child can mark off each chore when a task is completed whether it is a simple check mark or a sticker they get to choose. It is fun to get the family organized by finding easy to make and print chore charts online if you need some inspiration.
Reward System
Develop some sort of a reward system for your child. It is fun to be rewarded for a job well done especially if all the chores have been completed all week long. Rewards don’t necessarily have to be of monetary value. It could mean a special treat, time spent with you doing something your child enjoys, playing a game with your child, etc. Find a way to make your child feel appreciated for the great work they’ve done especially if they’ve followed through with all their chores during the week.
Involving your kids in household chores can help teach them responsibility as well as give them a sense of pride when accomplishing a task. However, sometimes you just need to let go and let someone into your home to clean. Blind Appeal is proud to announce our newest service: Housecleaning! For a limited time, new clients will receive one hour FREE home cleaning ($35 value) with purchase of our new home cleaning services. Give us a call today and let us clean your house while you have some summer fun!