Getting your small children to help with chores isn’t always the easiest task. Sometimes they want to help, sometimes want to help make a mess as you go. Making it fun for them can make it easier and more manageable for everyone involved. As your Austin cleaning company, a lot of our clients ask us how they can get their children of all ages more involved in regular cleaning.
When you’re getting your kids to learn the importance of cleanliness, choosing age-appropriate chores is a must. While you may think your child is too young, you’d be surprised how many chores kids of certain ages can do. Don’t wait to praise when the chore is done, either. You want to build positive momentum while the chore is in progress – this is important especially in younger children.
2-3 years old:
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Fill the pet’s food bowl
- Pick up toys
- Clean up spills
- Dust
- Put books back on shelves
4-5 years old:
- Make the bed
- Check the mail
- Pulling weeds in the garden
- Clear dinner dishes
- Water flowers
- Unload utensils from dishwasher
6-7 years old:
- Sweep floors
- Set and clear table
- Help make lunch
- Sort the laundry
- Rake the leaves
- Keep bedroom cleaned up
8-9 years old:
- Walk the dog
- Wash dishes
- Vacuum
- Help make dinner
- Load/Unload dishwasher
- Mop
- Put away groceries
- Fold laundry
- Put away own laundry
- Make own breakfast
- Peel vegetables
- Cook simple foods
10+ years old:
- Cook a simple meal (supervised)
- Clean bathroom
- Wash car
- Wash windows
- Take the trash out
- Do laundry
- Watch younger siblings (with adult home)
- Clean kitchen
- Change their own bed sheets
When first teaching your children how to help with chores, do it with them. Make it a game, such as “How many toys can we pick up as fast as we can.” For younger children, make a chore chart where they get to pick and place a stick every time they complete a task. As they get older, you can replace the stickers with a weekly allowance. Just remember not to expect perfection. They are young and learning, but teaching them as early as possible can set good hygiene habits that will last a lifetime.
Austin Cleaning Company – It’s Cleaning Time!
Even families who all work together to keep the house clean need a break sometimes, especially between busy work and school schedules! If you need a deep cleaning or regular cleaning of your home, contact the professionals at It’s Cleaning TIme! today!
