3 Tips to Get Your Kids to Clean This Summer
The middle of summer break is officially here – and if you’re like most parents, you’ve looked into your kids’ rooms more than a few times over the past month and been amazed that such small people could leave such a huge mess.
Fortunately, these tips can help you motivate your kids to pick up after themselves… and if you’re really lucky, they’ll do even more.
3 Tips to Get Your Kids to Clean This Summer
First things first: You have to define what “clean” means to a kid. They definitely have different definitions than we seasoned grown-ups do. If your kids are old enough to read, you can make a checklist; if not, use a picture-based list like this:
- Make your bed
- Pick up laundry
- Put toys away
- Vacuum your floor
Once you’ve established your expectations, you can turn the kids loose.
Tip #1 to Get Kids to Clean: Turn Cleaning Into a Game
Just like Mary Poppins knew, a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down. When it comes to cleaning, having fun gets things done. You can:
- Let kids ring a bell each time a complete a task
- Put tasks on a timer and see if your children can beat the clock
- Play loud music and dance around as you clean
- Turn it into a make-believe game in which children can beat anyone they want to be as they complete their chores – robots, princesses, and even wild animals are fair game
(Check out our list of kids’ cleaning games here.)
Tip #2 to Get Kids to Clean: Use Baskets and Bins
Simplify the entire cleanup process by using baskets and bins. If your children are old enough to read, simply write what belongs in each bin or basket on its side – if not, use pictures. Even if your children don’t get it right every time, you can be glad that there are no toys left on the floor and that they’re all neatly tucked away in baskets.
Tip #3 to Get Kids to Clean: Offer Incentives
Some parents view incentives as bribes, and they might not be right for your family. However, incentives have been known to motivate children like nothing else does. You don’t have to give them toys, candy or money, either. You can use a trip to the playground or park, a board game or a movie as a reward.
Do You Need Help With Household Cleaning?
We can help you with routine chores and seriously in-depth cleaning jobs. Call us at 910-725-3226 (Southern Pines, NC), 706-256-8771 (Columbus, GA) or 843-491-5526 (Myrtle Beach, SC). We serve all the communities around each of these major cities, as well, and we’d love to give you a free house-cleaning estimate so you can focus on more important things.
Mack Maids’ cleaning services include:
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