How to Keep Your House Clean with Kids
Image courtesy of Becky Rapinchuk
If you have kids, you know as soon you clean a room, it will be messy again in less than five minutes. Instead of fighting them, include them! Try these clean-house strategies from my blog, Clean Mama, to keep your sanity and a clean house.
Let Them Help Kids tend to like "cleaning," and I think it's because adults don't let them near the cleaning supplies. Fill a little cleaning caddy just for your kids and print off this adorable checklist, and they'll be cleaning right alongside you. Make sure you provide them with non-toxic cleaners or even water in a spray bottle. Kids can complete simple tasks such as making beds, putting toys away, dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming. Make each task age appropriate for your child.
Make It Fun Set a timer for five or ten minutes and see how much can get put away. Use a chore or responsibility chart to track accomplishments. Clean up with your kids so they can learn the process and methods that are important to you. They'll enjoy the time with you, and you'll be able to model the tasks. Cleaning doesn't have to be torture; make it a game, and everyone will reap the rewards.
Do a Load of Laundry Every Day Take at least one load of laundry from start to folded and put away every day. This process keeps the laundry piles away and ensures that everyone's favorite shirt is clean. Older kids can help put away laundry, and younger kids can pick up dirty laundry or sort the laundry by color.
Clean Up Toys Daily A great rule to follow is to clean up one thing before starting another. I also like to do a little clean up before rest time and a family clean up before dinner or bed time. This takes 5-10 minutes and keeps the messes from overwhelming.
Be creative and get your kids involved in keeping your house clean and everyone will benefit. Ease up on expectations and you'll gain so much more -- independent children, less tasks for just you to complete, and kids who know the importance of teamwork and responsibility. Yes, it is possible to keep your house clean with kids!
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