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Have you ever walked into your living room to find what looks like a toy apocalypse and thought, “How did we get here?” Or perhaps you’ve tried pleading with your little ones, “Let’s try to keep the family room clean, okay?” only to be met with blank stares or creative reinterpretations of what “clean” means. I totally get it. As a mom of two active kiddos, ages 6 and 2, I’ve seen it all. Here are a few tips that have transformed how we tackle chores at home — and I promise it’s easier than convincing a toddler to eat vegetables.
1. Make Cleaning a Game
Kids love to play, so why not make cleaning a part of their playtime? Turn tidying up into a treasure hunt where they’re searching for hidden “treasures” (a.k.a. toys scattered around the house). We sometimes set a timer and turn cleaning into a friendly race against time or even each other. Who can pick up more blocks before the buzzer? Winner gets an extra bedtime story or a sticker on their chore chart. Making it engaging takes the chore out of chores!
2. Set Up a Kid-Friendly Cleaning Station
Setting up a kid-friendly cleaning station can make all the difference. You can do this by providing child-sized cleaning tools like a small broom and dustpan, colorful cleaning cloths, or a spray bottle filled with water or child-safe cleaner. When everything is more accessible and visually appealing, kids may be more inclined to use them. My 6-year-old loves her “special” cleaning gear and often takes pride in being the official “crumb catcher” after dinner.
3. Create a Chore Chart Together
Creating a chore chart together can work wonders. Including your child in the process gives them a sense of ownership and excitement about their tasks. For my energetic 6-year-old, we use stickers to celebrate completed chores, which she finds incredibly motivating. For the younger one, helping mommy with small tasks is more interactive. This chart isn’t just about assigning tasks; it’s a family project that celebrates teamwork.
4. Encourage Responsibility with Age-Appropriate Tasks
Encouraging responsibility through age-appropriate tasks can build their confidence and sense of independence. For instance, the 2-year-old can help wipe down tables or sort laundry by color, while the 6-year-old might set the table or sort recycling items. Remember, every small task completed is another step toward them learning the importance of helping out and being responsible — and high-fives for every job well done go a long way!
5. Lead by Example
Like it or not, our little ones are always watching us, so leading by example is powerful. If they see us tackle the dishes right after dinner or make a habit of organizing our own spaces, they’re more likely to mimic these behaviors. I often narrate what I’m doing out loud — “I’m cleaning up the kitchen to make it nice for tomorrow!” — and it’s a great way to invite them to join in without making it feel like an obligation.
As much as we might wish for a magic wand to make our homes immaculate, involving our kids in cleaning can be a wonderful way to teach life skills, build a sense of community, and yes, even have a bit of fun. So let’s embrace the messes, celebrate the small victories, and remind ourselves that when it comes to motherhood, we’re all in this together. Happy tidying! 😊
