Home is where the heart is…and usually where the mess is too. The clutter probably doubles when the kids are home for summer and we know you’re tired of doing ALL the chores so here’s some ideas on how to make your little ones help out too.
Here’s a gift
Remember as their parent you’ve got a lot of leverage on your kids. Give them a little gift for getting the job done. Forget an allowance, they already live at your house for free. We recommend this mom’s trick: Change your wifi password and give it to them as a prize for cleaning their bedroom or bathroom.
“You’re the best!”
Hearing a “good job” or “you did it” can really go a long way, especially for a kid. With a couple words of affirmation, you just might have yourself a clean kitchen.
Game time
Let your kids clean without letting them know they’re actually doing it. Create a game for them that’s sure to make the place shine. Need some sweeping done? Tape a circle to your floor and tell them that they have to sweep as much as they can into it. Set a timer and watch them go! There’s plenty of games out there, take a look.
Set expectations
Being super clear about you want saves a lot of time. Let your little ones know what you expect that way there’s no room for excuses and hopefully no redoing any chores.
Attitude is everything
Be optimistic and look at life as the glass half full! Your positivity is bound to rub off on the kids. Your good attitude plus their good attitude makes for a happy, clean home.
Let the music move you
Dance and clean and sing! Let your kids choose a playlist or put on a movie soundtrack you can all bounce around to. Music makes things fun, there’s no denying that!
Make cleaning time into family time! We know motivating the kids to give up some of their freedom for cleaning can be hard, but we hope these tips help. Let us know if you give any of them a try or if you, yourself, have found a way to persuade your little helpers.