| Dividing up chores among the whole family helps give everyone a sense of individual responsibility — and makes them more likely to help keep the house clean.
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| Spring-cleaning your home can seem like too big a task to tackle — but you don't have to go it alone. Enlist the family! From clearing their calendars to organizing tasks, we've got tips for getting them involved. And did you know? Dividing up chores among the whole family helps give everyone a sense of individual responsibility — and makes them more likely to help keep the house clean. |
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Make it a date.
Prepare your kids — especially tweens and teens — for family cleanup day. Giving kids notice gives them time to clear their calendars, get used to the idea and understand that spring-cleaning is an important event that requires everyone’s cooperation and participation. On the big day, fuel up with a good breakfast, turn off the TV, mobile phones and computers, and gather the troops at a designated time!
Make it age-appropriate.
According to Los Angeles organizing expert Lynne Gilberg, CPO® (Certified Professional Organizer) and CPO-CD®, it’s important to keep chores appropriate for your kids’ ages. “Have young children work in ‘small bites,’” she says. “No more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time.” She suggests having youngsters take on easy jobs such as sorting. “Small kids are really good at sorting, so use containers and label them for kids to put items into.” On the other hand, older children can do everything from vacuuming to cleaning bathrooms.
Make it organized.
For kids who are old enough to read and take on more advanced tasks, create a list of chores for each room. Then clearly break down exactly what you want them to do and how to do it. Be prepared to patiently show what you need. This will help your kids stay on track and keep everyone from feeling frustrated about their progress and results.
Make it easy.
Create a “cleaning tool kit” for each room to make it easier for kids to do their assigned tasks. In the bathroom, for example, include a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser® to quickly wipe away soap scum from the tub and shower door. Even younger kids can handle dusting (and will think it’s fun!) when you put Swiffer Dusters® in their hands. The fluffy fibers grab dust on furniture, plants and electronics without spray polishes that leave behind smeary residue. You’ll also want Bounty® Select-a-Size paper towels in your tool kit; they’re great for smaller hands and cleaning up mini-messes.
Make it fun.
Create team spirit by purchasing a matching set of colorful, inexpensive T-shirts and writing your names on them. Also, plan breaks and snacks throughout the day to give kids motivation. Along with your thanks (and hugs!) for a job well done, plan a treat to reward everyone for all their hard work. Gilberg suggests ending the day with a special family meal: “The whole family works together on this project on a spring day — have a picnic afterward and make it really fun.”
Of course, the best reward is knowing that everyone worked together to clean the house and make it ready to welcome spring!
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