Do you dread going into your kids’ rooms? A scientific study proves that clutter creates stress. Are you ready for your kids to take control of the mess in their room without having to constantly yell?
“Clean up Kids!” is a common saying parents tell their children. We share tips on how your children can clean.
Create a Checklist
Sometimes kids just don’t know what to do and need clear instructions versus just saying “clean your room.” Once your kids can read, give them a checklist of tasks. After they are done, they can check it off.
If your kids can’t read, you can still create a checklist but with pictures. You can do a daily or weekly list, and set rules like you can’t watch TV until everything is checked or make some other game with it.
Make it a Game
Most people, especially kids, don’t think of cleaning as fun, but you can make it fun. Make it a fun game.
You can set a timer and see if they can beat the clock, or have them ring a bell each time they complete a chore. Put on some music and dance and sing as you clean.
Give Everything a Home
Baskets can be your best friend. Let kids know where everything goes, so they don’t just make another pile of clutter.
You can color code baskets or make labels. Work together to create organization systems they like and can follow.
Plan Incentives
You don’t have to bribe your kids to clean. If they pitch in and help, let the kids pick something do on family night, or let them pick the dinner or movie since the house is clean.
Clean Together at First
Make sure you have reasonable expectations. Show your kids what you want them to do. Go through your checklist together and encourage your child to do what you do, and lead by example.
Off the Floor
Keep laundry hampers in your child’s room. Have cleaning contests and the last child to pick something off the floor wins. If your child is old enough, teach him or her to vacuum.
If you can see your child’s floor, you can actually do some carpet cleaning. Tell your child that anything left on the floor will be lost at sea or whatever fun analogy you want to use.
Age Appropriate Chores
Find suitable chores for every age. Young children can learn from an early age to do chores. Have your toddlers dust with old socks on their hands.
If your child is older, he or she probably wants their privacy, so set standards like clothes in the hamper, make your bed, and put your clothes away. Kids want more control at that age, and you need to be mindful of their busier schedules as teenagers.
Ready to Stop Saying “Clean up Kids?”
It’s important to set your guidelines and make sure your children know how to clean their rooms. Sometimes just yelling “clean up kids” won’t get the job done. Make it fun and teach your children how to keep a clean house and take care of their things.
After your kids’ rooms organized, it’s time to look for other ways to organize your home. Check out these tips on how to keep your home organized—and you can relieve some stress!
