Getting a kid involved in the housework can be challenging. Having to clean may seem like the worst thing that could happen to them. Sometimes they get upset; other times, they throw a tantrum.
However, teaching children how to help in the house is a win-win for everyone: they’ll learn a few valuable things, and you’ll have help with the chores. Besides, it is not that hard once you know how to involve them in the cleaning routine.
Are you trying to teach your children how to pick up after themselves? These tips will help you.
Tip #1. Let them know why it is important
Nobody wants to live in a messy home. Explain to your children what could happen because of the mess. Someone can get hurt when stepping on a toy, piled up dirty clothes can be an invitation to pests, or a toy could break. They are children, but they can understand.
Tip #2. Don’t label cleaning as a punishment
Many parents use cleaning as punishment. This makes kids perceive it as awful and annoying, and nobody wants to do something upsetting—not even adults. Cleaning is not bad per se; it depends on how we handle it.
Help them look at cleaning as a means to an end, and make reasonable expectations about what your children can and can’t do. It will become part of their weekly or daily routine before you notice.
Tip #3. Use behavior modeling
Kids learn through example. If you want your kid to do something, teach them physically how to do it. You can program a time to do family cleaning where you model how to do certain chores. Putting dirty laundry in the laundry basket or folding clothes is a good start.
Tip #4. Make it accessible and easier
An entire room can be too much for a child. Start with small things like folding their clothing, or you can divide the room into smaller areas.
Depending on your kids’ ages, it’s essential to assign only age-appropriate chores they can do without exceeding their capabilities.
If there’s a lot to do, you can distribute all the activities on daily tasks. There’s no need to do everything in one sitting!
Tip #5. Reward their success
Motivation is key to keep doing any activity. Acknowledge your children’s goals and reward them with something they like when they complete a task or reach previously established objectives.
Behavioral charts are a handy way for you and the kids to keep track of the progress made. When kids see how they reach the goal (and the reward) bit by bit, it motivates them.
There are simpler things you can do—not less important or effective. Recognize your children’s achievements with high fives or expressions such as “good job!”. Those actions will go a long way with your kids.
Do you need help with the cleaning chores?
We know sharing time with your children is important. Here at House Keep-Up, we are proud to deliver top-quality cleaning services in the Chicagoland area. Let us help you with the cleaning chores so that you can spend quality time with your kids.
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