3 Ways to Get Your Kids to Help With the Cleaning

Every little bit helps, and when your kids don’t add to the mess (or better yet, when they pitch in with the cleaning), it can make your cleaning load much lighter.

Here are 3 simple ways to get them involved with the cleaning.

• Keep a hamper and garbage pail in every room (and 4 in the laundry room).

If you want to make sure all their garbage and laundry is where it should be, give them no excuses and easy access. I’ve also taught my kids to presort their own laundry (even my 3-year-old does it!). I have 4 hampers in the laundry room. When their hamper is full, they bring it there and separate the clothing. One hamper is for whites, one for darks, one for light/colorful, and one for towels.

• Make a visual task list.

This method is recommended by parenting educator Perl Abramowitz in reference to bedtime routines. Each child should have their own hanging board with visual images that represent the tasks they’re supposed to remember to do so they can visualize their duties. (If it’s on magnets or velcro, they can move them to a “done” spot.)

• Give privileges in exchange for getting tasks done.

For example, older kids can have the “privilege” of staying up a little longer if they complete certain tasks, depending on your needs.

Examples:
Empty dishwasher/put away dishes.
Clear counters
Place chairs in their places
Empty dryer.
Hang wet clothing

I strongly believe that kids should be put to help. It sharpens their brain, teaches them a different method of responsibility, grows their strength in sibling love, and broadens their heart in empathy for Mommy.