Cleaning and Children
Cleaning with Children can be problematic unless you learn to include them in the process. Planning and teaching are key to making it successful. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks that have helped us with our children and cleaning.
1) Everyone knows there is a Place for Everything
Once you can teach this to your children and they have LEARNED it - things will be so much easier for everyone!
2) You get it out, You put it away
This is a great lesson for anyone sharing a living space with others.
3) Everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping the entire living space clean
When you share the load of cleaning, it helps everyone feel a stewardship for it. Sharing the tasks not only keeps your space cleaner, it also teaches your children to be responsible adults.
Their future spouse will thank you!
4) Make sure everyone knows what each task of cleaning includes
When everyone is taught the same way, things go smoother. Make a chart or a list for each room. Make sure you teach them correctly and they will always do it more correctly. Also, an adult version of cleanliness is going to be at a higher level than a child's version - so make sure they know what the expectations are. Teach them for the first 4 weeks THEN let them try it on their own - while you observe. THEN let them graduate to doing it on their own. If you take the time at the beginning, it will be so helpful with they are older and already know HOW and WHY you do things a certain way.
5) Break the tasks into easy pieces for a child to follow.
Don't be so general in your instructions that they are left trying to figure out what you mean. Children need specific instructions with details so they know EXACTLY what your expectations are
6) Make sure you show gratitude and praise for jobs well done.
Children respond well to encouragement and praise. Make sure they "deserve" the praise but definitely err on the side of generosity.
7) Set family Cleaning Goals
If you set a family goal of cleaning correctly then you can brainstorm as a group to figure out a Monthly "prize" worthy of the efforts of the family. This gives a "purpose" for the children to help clean.
Set your family and your living spaces up for success by following these tips and tricks. Your home and family will thank you!
Make it a great one!
1) Everyone knows there is a Place for Everything
Once you can teach this to your children and they have LEARNED it - things will be so much easier for everyone!
2) You get it out, You put it away
This is a great lesson for anyone sharing a living space with others.
3) Everyone shares in the responsibility of keeping the entire living space clean
When you share the load of cleaning, it helps everyone feel a stewardship for it. Sharing the tasks not only keeps your space cleaner, it also teaches your children to be responsible adults.
Their future spouse will thank you!
4) Make sure everyone knows what each task of cleaning includes
When everyone is taught the same way, things go smoother. Make a chart or a list for each room. Make sure you teach them correctly and they will always do it more correctly. Also, an adult version of cleanliness is going to be at a higher level than a child's version - so make sure they know what the expectations are. Teach them for the first 4 weeks THEN let them try it on their own - while you observe. THEN let them graduate to doing it on their own. If you take the time at the beginning, it will be so helpful with they are older and already know HOW and WHY you do things a certain way.
5) Break the tasks into easy pieces for a child to follow.
Don't be so general in your instructions that they are left trying to figure out what you mean. Children need specific instructions with details so they know EXACTLY what your expectations are
6) Make sure you show gratitude and praise for jobs well done.
Children respond well to encouragement and praise. Make sure they "deserve" the praise but definitely err on the side of generosity.
7) Set family Cleaning Goals
If you set a family goal of cleaning correctly then you can brainstorm as a group to figure out a Monthly "prize" worthy of the efforts of the family. This gives a "purpose" for the children to help clean.
Set your family and your living spaces up for success by following these tips and tricks. Your home and family will thank you!
Make it a great one!
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