The following post is from Becky of Clean Mama

It”™s the end of the school year and summer is just around the corner.  Why not take a little time this Mother”™s Day week to think of ways that you can involve the little family members in some daily tasks around the house.  It”™s a little gift for you!   Letting up a little on expectations and control,  you”™ll gain so much more ”“ independent children, less tasks for just you to complete and most importantly,  children that know the importance of contribution and responsibility.

Bedrooms

 

  • Make beds. I have a fitted sheet on the kids”™ beds and a washable quilt ”“ this makes it easy for them to pull the quilt up and make their own beds)
  • Put clothes away from laundry basket as they are able and dirty clothes in the dirty clothes basket.
  • Put toys away.  In the morning and evening works well for us to avoid being overwhelmed by the toy pick up.  I remind them before a special activity (screen time, snack time, friend time).

Bathrooms

  • Wipe down counters (a microfiber rag and water cleans up toothpaste and other spills).
  • Older children can spray and wipe mirrors (with non-toxic cleaner, of course).
  • Refills. Let the kids be in charge of toilet paper and tissues
  • Collect garbage.

Living Areas

  • Wipe baseboards with baby wipes.
  • Wipe light switches and door knobs.
  • Pick up toys.

Kitchen

  • Load and unload silverware and plastics, when younger and then adding breakable dishware as kids get older.
  • Set the table.
  • Clear plates at the table.
  • Sweep with a little broom and dust pan are great for little one”™s hands.
  • Dustbuster responsibility.  Let them suck up the crumbs and turn it into a game to fill the bin.
  • Wipe the table down.
  • Recycle and sort trash.

Laundry

  • Sort by color.
  • Sort and pair up socks.
  • Pair items up: socks, pajamas, outfits.
  • Sort clothes.
  • Put clothes on hangers.
  • Collect garbage in the laundry room. I have a small trash basket in the laundry room for lint, tags, etc. that the kids take care of emptying when asked.

Pet Care

  • Take care of water and food for pets.  My oldest started this routine around 5 years old.
  • ”˜Help”™ with brushing and bathing. This is a fun summertime activity with the hose for us.

My Favorite Ways to Get Help in a Hurry

  • Set a timer for 5 or 10 minutes and see how if we can clean a whole room or floor in that amount of time.
  • Chore charts work well in our house, no nagging, just doing.
  • Using special options as ”˜rewards”™: once your clean room is cleaned up you can have 10 minutes on the computer, go play with your friends, take something else out, etc.
  • I need to (fill in the blank), if you”™d like to help me we can play your game sooner.
  • Let kids help build a chore chart or responsibility chart. Taking ownership in the creation of the tasks will ensure a better success rate!