Cleaning up doesn't have to be an awful task. The key to
getting kids to clean? Make it fun and easy to understand. By teaching your
kids to clean up after themselves you'll be giving them good habits that will
last a lifetime. The following six tips will help you engage your kids and
teach them to pick up after themselves.
Set the Timer
Cleaning can seem like a never ending task, but you'll be
amazed at what the kids can accomplish in just a few minutes. Set a timer for
5-10 minutes of dedicated "putting away" time, and watch them go! Or
tell them to have a race to see who can clean up the fastest, and award them
with TV time or a treat.
Get Prepared
Do your homework ahead of time and cleaning won't be a battle.
Make sure you have a dedicated storage unit, like Tampa
FL self storage, or space for the toys. Label boxes, baskets and bins
clearly. It will be easier for everyone to put things away if they know where
the items go.
Reward Good Behavior
Set up a prize box or similar system and offer rewards for
cleaning. Your rewards don't have to be big— a sticker for a chart, a sparkly
new pencil or a fun eraser for school are very inexpensive but a nice incentive
for school-aged kids.
Start Early
Even toddlers can figure out (and will likely enjoy) sorting
items and putting them away. Start early by building good cleaning and
organizational habits, and it will make it easier to get the kids to clean up
when they're older.
Bury Treasure
Hide some coins (interesting ones like 50 cent pieces work
well) around the house before you clean— and let your kids know that treasure
awaits. As they clean, they'll discover the prizes, if they're doing it right.
Gradually they will learn the habits of cleaning for when they are older.
Let Them Help
Moms have a tendency to be perfectionists. Don't let your
need to have things done perfectly interfere with cleanup time. A fun cleaning
session can become a drag quickly if mom insists on refolding the towels or
re-sorting the silverware.
Assign Jobs They Like
Each kids is different— if you have one that loves to mop
the floor, then assign them to mop. By assigning tasks that are enjoyable
instead of a chore, you'll see better results. Sometimes you'll have to give
them the less fun chores, but give them the easy ones a times, too.
Author Bio
This article was written by Dixie Somers on behalf of
extraspace.com. For more information on self storage, check out their website
at: http://www.extraspace.com/Storage/Facilities/US/Arizona/Mesa/501625/Facility.aspx
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