As parents, it’s important that we teach our kids the importance of taking care of our things. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to teach your kids how to freshen their rooms and possessions. This can be a fun and rewarding experience if we just get creative! Here are some tips to survive spring cleaning with kids – the best part? You get some help!
Related: My House is a Disgusting Mess – Cleaning Tips
Make it a Game:
Turn cleaning into a game by creating challenges or competitions.
For example, see who can pick up the most toys in a certain amount of time or who can find the most items to donate.
For our youngest kids, I’ll say “okay who can put 10 Calico Critters away the fastest?!”
Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks:
Give each child specific tasks that are suitable for their age and abilities.
Younger children can help with simple tasks like sorting toys or dusting low surfaces, while older children can assist with more complex chores like vacuuming or organizing closets.
My 7 year old is just like me and needs specific instructions.
If I say “please go clean your room” he simply can’t handle it.
Instead, I have to say something like “please pick up all of the legos and put them into this bin.”
Set Clear Expectations:
Clearly communicate your expectations and explain why spring cleaning is important. Encourage your children to take pride in their home and belongings.
This year I am trying to phrase our spring cleaning as something we’re doing now that will pay off later.
“We’re doing all of this now so we have more time to kayak and go to the beach!”
It’s true and it helps motivate all of us (myself included!)
Create a Cleaning Playlist:
Put on some upbeat music to make cleaning more enjoyable.
Encourage your kids to sing and dance along as they work.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve listened to the Descendents sound track or Taylor Swift while cleaning.
Provide Incentives:
Offer rewards or incentives to motivate your children to participate.
This could be anything from a small treat or extra screen time to a special outing as a family.
I have used everything from Sonic slushies to a night at Epcot (super cheap for us local Floridians) as a reward for myself (of course I lie and tell my kids it’s for them thanks to all of their hard work)
Have Kid-Friendly Cleaning Supplies:
We have two different kids cleaning sets.
Our four year old loves to spray things, so we add vinegar and water to her spray bottle and let her clean the table and windows.
She’s also the child that does the best job cleaning the showers.
Our 9 year old begs to use the vacuum and our 6 year old loves to do the dishes.
I’m not going to argue with them because these things actually really help me.
Make it Educational:
I never learned to clean or organize as a kid and this has SUPER hurt me as an adult.
Seriously.
It didn’t occur to me to vacuum or declutter.
As an adult I have had to teach myself these things and I don’t want my kids to struggle with this like I have.
Take Breaks:
We take breaks for fun snacks.
Usually charcuterie.
Before and After Pictures:
I understand the whole cleaning part is pretty important, but to me, before and after pictures are the most important part.
Oh and a timer.
Take a before picture.
Set a timer for 5, 10, or 15 minutes.
Something manageable for kids.
Clean like crazy for those few minutes with everyone working diligently on their task.
Take an after picture.
As an adult, it was huge for me and my motivation to realize just how little time it takes to do things.
Do you know it takes about 7 minutes to load the dishwasher?
Or 5 minutes to unload it?
We often build these tasks up in our heads to be all day time-killers, but once we realize how quickly we can make a huge difference AND then see tangible evidence (in said before and after pictures) we are way more motivated to keep going.
Lead by Example:
If you act happy and are dancing around while cleaning, there’s a chance your kids will make it to adulthood without dreading cleaning. At the very least, they will see you cleaning your counters and as an adult, will realize these things are meant to be cleaned. If you grew up in a clean home (I definitely didn’t) this probably sounds ridiculous to you. BUT if you grew up with no cleaning skills like I did, you’ll understand how important this is. Your children are more likely to get involved if they see you taking an active role and enjoying the process. Spring cleaning leads to a more relaxing summer – it’s worth it!
