How to Teach Your Kids To Clean

As a parent it’s never too soon to teach your kids responsibility. Once they become mobile that’s the perfect time to have them help around the house. They are a lot smarter than we give them credit for!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. It’s easy to teach your kids to keep your house clean by age groups.
2. Toddlers: If they can play with a toy they can also put it away. Reinforce the positive behavior not the bad. (You’ve read the books and seen the shows.) This also works for putting their dirty clothes in the hamper, returning the book to their special bookshelf, or giving mommie their empty cup or bottle when finished.
3. 5 to 9 years: They know how to keep their toys in the proper place, how to dress for bed and put their clothes away. Now it’s time to help with laundry and dishes. Teach them how to fold small towels, match their socks, and button their shirts before you put them away. In the kitchen have them put away spoons, forks, and plastic containers. Praise them for a wonderful job!
4. 10 to 13 years: At this stage the child is responsible for cleaning their entire room including dusting, making their beds, and vacuuming. They can safely load and unload the dishwasher. Now is the time to consider an allowance if you have them clean additional rooms.
5. 14 to 18 years: You shouldn’t have to say a word…..they know what they need to do.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't except excuses they 'can't do it'...teach them how it's done.