How To Get Your Kids Interested In Helping You Clean House (Or At Least Their Own Rooms!)
Getting your kids to clean can be a chore. However, with the right tactics, it doesn't have to be. You just need to think about the things that they like and what motivates them. Most children enjoy playing, so it is important that cleaning is made somewhat enjoyable for them. Music is always a good idea, but here are a few others:
1. Make Use of Color and Create Their Own Cleaning Kit
Children don't want to clean because it is boring and they have to use ugly items to clean with. So, make them a cleaning kit and personalize it to their liking. If their favorite color is pink or blue, try to find cleaning items in those colors. You can then personalize the basket, which should have a handle for easy carrying for the child, with their name, stickers, etc. Alternatively, you could provide them with stickers, markers and other personalization items so that they can decorate their own cleaning basket.
2. Let Them Share Their Own Ideas.
As you are cleaning, decorating and/or rearranging the furniture in your child's room, let them tell you where they would like things. They may prefer that their bed be in one corner rather than directly up against the wall. If your child is excited about getting to put in their word and you listening to them, they may be more inclined to keep the space clean.
3. Make Sure Your Child Has a "Special" Storage Area.
Toys can easily get out of control if they do not have somewhere to be stored properly. If your child is without a toy chest at the end of the bed or a wall of cool-looking baskets and bins, it is time to implement these things as soon as possible. For younger children, you can tell them this is a special place for their toys to go so that they can stay safe when your child isn't around (such as at school). If you need to get your child to pick up his or her room at night before bed, you can let them know that the toys will rest much better if they are in their special place.
4. Always Provide Positive Feedback.
Even when your child is struggling to keep his or her room clean, but they are at least trying, provide some uplifting encouragement. This will go a long way in helping to encourage further cleaning of the room. It may even help them put in harder effort to keep their room as clean as possible. The same is true for any room in the house. If they are attempting to help you de-clutter and keep things clean, let them know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication.
If you and your child simply can't get around to keeping the house clean and you need a little extra help, consider hiring a maid service such as McMaid – even if it is just a one-time occurrence. Sometimes, it is easier to implement cleaning strategies if the home is already clean.