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Every parent knows that housekeeping when you have children is an endless chore. However, you are not expected to handle it alone.
One great approach to teaching your kids responsibility and vital life skills is to include them in some home tasks.
After all, we all want what’s best for them so they can turn into responsible and functioning adults who’ll be able to take care not only of themselves but their families as well.
It all starts at home, though.
Here is a list of 14 cleaning tasks your kids could and should complete around the house.
Tidying up Their Toys
Children can start with the simple task of organising their toys. The habit of cleaning up after themselves will teach them to be tidy and will also make it easier for them to do other household chores.
In this way, you are teaching your children discipline, and they will grow up to be responsible and organized adults.
We also can’t deny that a living room without toys, for once, sounds nice. Accidentally stepping on legos isn’t the most pleasant experience for a parent, especially at night.
Dusting Low Surfaces
Your little ones can help out by dusting down furniture items within their reach. Using a duster or a gentle fabric, they can clean window ledges, coffee tables, and shelves.
The little ones are ideal for this type of chore since it only requires a little elbow grease and no cleaning agent.
Turning this into a game of “dust hunt,” where they look for dusty corners, can spice up the task. This small chore sharpens their focus on detail.
Wiping Spills
Children often spill liquids when they play, so why not use this as a learning opportunity? Give them a small towel or cloth and teach them to clean up their messes.
This not only teaches them responsibility but also helps keep things clean throughout the day without you constantly having to clean up after them.
Sweeping the Floor
Five-year-olds can start helping with the sweeping chore. A colorful broom and dustpan can make this task a fun game instead of a chore.
Sweep races could be your family’s fun way of tackling the cleaning schedule.
It can be entertaining to see your kids’ excitement as everyone competes to see who can gather the most dust.
Watering Indoor Plants
Watering plants may not seem like a typical cleaning chore, but it’s still an important task. Involving your children in this activity can teach them responsibility and discipline while also helping you take care of the plants in your home.
Just make sure they understand how much water each plant needs. Otherwise, you might end up with a messy puddle situation!
Making Their Bed
Making their bed daily teaches kids the habit (and eventually, the value) of discipline.
Show them first how to arrange pillows and flatten the sheets. A neatly made bed instantly enhances the appearance of a bedroom.
This also offers kids an immediate sense of accomplishment as they kick off their day.
Sorting Laundry
Children can also do easy tasks like separating whites from colors. Eventually, they can even help with folding the clothes or loading the dryer and washing machine.
A great way to teach kids about sorting is by involving them in organizing clothes. This activity not only enhances their ability to categorize but also promotes cleanliness and tidiness.
Wiping the Bathroom Counter
Older kids can help tidy up bathroom surfaces by removing watermarks and toothpaste smudges. They simply need a child-friendly cleaning solution and a cloth.
This task is ideal for older kids and tweens who can handle cleaning chemicals responsibly.
Expert cleaners recommend you always keep an eye on the process. This is to ensure that the cleaning products are being used correctly and to teach and instil the proper technique.
Vacuuming Small Areas
Children aged 10 and older can vacuum small areas of the house, such as their bedrooms or the living room rug.
While vacuuming requires more effort than sweeping, it can be quite fun if kids learn how to do it properly. Just ensure that you give them a vacuum cleaner that is easy to handle.
Clearing the Table After Meals
Clearing the dining table after meals is an easy and useful habit to acquire for kids. The youngsters can assist by bringing glasses, silverware, and plates to the kitchen.
With everyone pitching in after family dinners, this chore promotes both cleanliness and teaches cooperation and neatness.
Helping with Dishwashing
While younger children can begin by assisting in loading the dishwasher, older kids could take on washing the dishes by hand.
While it can be boring and inefficient at first, over time, it will teach a vital life lesson. Besides, you’ll have a pair of helping hands around the house, which is always nice for a parent.
Washing Windows
Older children can be of great help when washing the windows. Start off with the inner side of the windows, where streaks are more easily seen.
Given guidance, our kiddos can really make those surfaces shine with just a soft cloth and a spray bottle. It’s a task which will be a useful habit down the line as they enter the world of adulthood and cleaning responsibilities.
Organising Their Room
Children mature fast. This means their capacity for responsibility also increases as they age. Thus, encouraging them to tidy their personal spaces is only natural. It will foster feelings of accomplishment and pride and instil in them the value of having clean surroundings.
Lastly, it keeps clutter to a minimum, which is always nice to see when you’re a parent.
Cleaning Pet Areas
Kids who are a bit older can assist in maintaining cleanliness around pet zones. This includes looking after the litter boxes, keeping feeding spots tidy, or ensuring the bedding stays neat.
While helping the house to be generally clean, this work teaches empathy, care for animals, and responsibility for their wellbeing. All these things are necessary for your children to become healthy and thriving individuals when they grow up.
Conclusion
Letting your children contribute to home responsibilities can be a playful, educational journey. Furthermore, it instils responsibility, which is a vital life skill.
So, the next time the little ones trip over their toys or leave crumbs on the carpet, remember that it’s a golden opportunity. Use this moment to inspire a love of cleaning.
However, if your kids are feeling mischievous this week and you need help with house chores, don’t hesitate to call in a domestic cleaning service.
FAQs
Kids can help with a variety of cleaning tasks around the house, including tidying up their toys, dusting low surfaces, wiping spills, sweeping the floor, and watering indoor plants. These chores teach them responsibility and valuable life skills.
You can turn cleaning into a game! For example, have a “dust hunt” to find dusty corners or organize sweep races while sweeping the floor. Making it playful helps keep kids engaged and makes the tasks feel less like chores.
Kids can start helping with simple tasks as early as age 2 or 3, like tidying up toys. As they grow older, they can take on more complex tasks such as vacuuming small areas, sorting laundry, and even washing windows.
Start by showing them how to make their beds and organize their belongings. Encourage them to keep their space tidy by regularly putting things away and fostering a sense of pride in their clean surroundings. Consistency is key!
Older kids and teenagers can take on more responsible tasks such as wiping down bathroom counters, vacuuming, washing windows, and even helping with dishwashing. These chores not only lighten your workload but also prepare them for adult responsibilities.
