Can Cleaning Actually Be Fun For Your Kids?
The question that many moms today are asking is, “How can I make cleaning fun for my kids?” Letting your children clean shouldn’t be a hassle. And it shouldn’t be boring either! With the right knowledge and supplies, your kids will have so much fun cleaning, they’ll be begging to do it. Cleaning is an activity that should be fun for both you and your children. And if the picture above doesn’t inspire you to let your kids clean with you, I don’t know what will. He looks like he’s having a great time to me. That’s what this is all about – having a good time!
Here we have constructed a list of simple tips to help your kids have fun while they are cleaning. But before I begin, I must say that this is not meant to turn your children into slaves, nor is it mean to replace any household chores they may already have. These are just simple tips to help make the process more enjoyable for both of you.
Here are four simple tips to help make cleaning for fun for your kids:
Make A Cleaning Basket
When it comes to cleaning with kids, this is one of my all-time favorite ideas. Try creating a cleaning basket. To do this go to dollar tree, and grab a small basket or shower caddy. You can choose from a plethora of colors. However, I recommend letting them choose. This way they are involved in the process from the start. After that, you can then pick out a few products for the basket. I recommend using things such as disinfectant wipes, sponges, microfiber rags, a spray bottle, and a small broom and dustpan. That’s all kids need to help clean. You may also include a homemade multi-surface cleaner, if you wish, in a smaller spray bottle.
Teamwork Makes The Dreamwork
In the cleaning profession, (if you’ve ever been apart of it then you know), it’s much easier to clean with someone than to do it by yourself. If you have multiple children, try pairing them together (granted you can do that without them fighting.) Not only will they do the job quicker, they will do a better job. Working together as a team helps kids’ to learn and build their skills. They will build their cleaning skills, they will build a better attitude, and the ability to work together in a team atmosphere. When it comes time for them to get a job and the interviewer asks “Have you ever worked in a team environment?” Even if it’s not their first job, they will be able to say yes.
Let Them Learn
Let’s be honest, letting kids help you clean is probably one of the last things you want to do. Half of the time they don’t do it how you want it done or they’re doing it to slow. Basically, you’d rather just do it yourself. I get it. At some point, as their parent, you have to let them do these things on their own. They need to learn how to do it, the way they are going to do it. No, they will never do things the exact way you want them to and they’re not supposed to. They aren’t you. They are their own person, and you need to let them be their own person. It’s ok to show them how it should be done. But once you do that, let them figure out the rest. One day, they will get it.
Reward Them
What is work without pay? You wouldn’t go to work without getting paid, would you? No, you wouldn’t. You might do volunteer work without pay, but that’s a different story. Giving incentives to your children for helping you will only increase their willingness to help. You might think, well they live here too, they made this mess, they can clean it up. While that is true. I’m talking about deep cleaning or scheduled cleaning, not just picking up their mess. Their reward doesn’t have to be money – money is tight these days! Give incentives like candy, taking them to the park, or allowing them a little extra time playing their game. Pretty much anything that will motivate them works.
Finally
Not much too it, huh? With these ideas, your children won’t only have fun, they’ll probably be asking you to clean all the time. And who would say no to that? I’d say, go ahead, clean whatever you want!
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