I want to share a few random pics I took, of my kids during this mornings clean. Anyone who knows me well, knows Saturday mornings (9-noon) we do our weekly cleaning (our Full Monty). And my kids are as much a part of it as I am. In fact, I could not accomplish it all in that amount of time, without them.
I’m sharing these with you because I want to inspire and confirm that yes, kids can clean too. My kids are normal, average children; yes, sometimes they complain, and they don’t always do a great job, and thats OK. But they contributed to getting the place dirty, and so they contribute in getting it clean again. Not to mention, one day they will need do this for themselves, so why not show them how to do it right; now. I’ve also included a pic, shared by a fellow homeschool mom, of her daughters, self devised, weekly cleaning checklist. Amazing! See how positively we can impact our kids? (Great job, Amy) If cleanliness is next to Godliness, than why are we not proactive in teaching out kids to clean too? Girls AND boys! I like to give the boys the toilets because lets face, they yuck-ify it the most. My son cleaned my half bath this morning, and I heard him comment “man we’re gross”. lol. yup! its this realization, once they start cleaning up after themselves that makes them suddenly start making an effort to keep things cleaner too. Funny how that works.
Let me also share with you some tips on how I get my kids involved in the cleaning regime. I also just want to point out the benefit of GREEN cleaning with natural cleaners, because you do not have to worry about them coming into contact or inhaling hazardous chemicals or bleaching out your favorite towels that may be hanging near the toilet their spraying down.
- having a set time frame (ex: 9am-noon) kids work well when they know there is a limit to the torture and can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- provide refreshing encouragement throughout the process. “wow, your a magician how did you make all that dirt disappear”. I was cleaning the toilet, my teen was washing the door next to me, I said “hey, I’m feeling POOPED” (he rolled his eyes at me but laughed too). Yelling motivating tag lines much like during a work out class helps too “c’mon guys we’re not sweaty enough, lets scrub harder”, my daughter yells “I caaaaaan’t, I’m dyyyyyyying” and I respond “no die later, I can’t clean these walls without you”. It breaks up the monotony of it all, helps them stay focused, and a little laugh keeps them interested.
- commend/constructively criticize, let ’em know when their doing a rockin’ good job and when their not compare it to job they did well, let them see the difference. Point out hoe good the toilet seat looks but that, “hmmm, why does it still look so yucky underneath the bowl”. My 11 year old looks down at what missed and exclaimed “omg, how does pee-pee get down there!” geez, bud Ive always wondered myself. lol. Better shot next time eh? 🙂
- reward them at the finish line, do something fun WITH them: play video games with them, watch a movie together or if its nice, go hiking or go somewhere fun together. Their so much more motivated to help relieve you of your work load when they see it frees up more of your time to spend with them. Give money or treats or a trip to the store to buy something (if budget allows). Today we shared a giant bag of skittles as our reward. Then I singled out my best player and gave him his fav king size candy bar, and made known it was for his passion in line of duty and for his intuition in knowing what to do without being told. The others don’t whine, TOO much, especially since they have been sufficiently rewarded as well, but it definitely motivates them to be that player next week.
I hope this gives you your own ideas in getting your kids on board, and the benefits of, which I would LOVE if you shared with me, to motivate me and others further. Best of luck. Happy GREEN cleaning!
God Bless.
Her House 