I’m no Mrs Hinch but I do love my yearly ritual of spring cleaning the house. The trouble is that having two kids certainly makes it challenging.
If you’re not careful it can be a case of two steps forward, one step back… into the mop bucket! Here are some tips on how to stay on top of your spring cleaning habits, and how to get your little ones involved too.
First things first, you have to decide if you actually WANT the children to help or if you want them to THINK that they’re helping.
Toddlers
Toddlers are little copycats. My son enjoys emptying the clothes from the tumble dryer into the basket, running around with the broom like he’s an extra in a Harry Potter film, and using baby wipes for any little spills.
However, if I try and organise his toys he’ll put a stop to it straight away and act like it’s the best toy he’s ever owned! For him, it’s definitely a case of me pretending that he’s being useful. Mind you, he can definitely make a great plastic pizza to enjoy once I’m done!
The Older Kids
If you think it would be beneficial for older kids to do their part in spring cleaning, then look at what they can manage depending on their age and capabilities and what they will enjoy.
Once kids get to 4 or 5 years old they can tidy away toys, help pull up weeds in the garden, clean low windows, fold and put away towels and straighten beds. When they hit 6 or 7 they can sweep and mop floors, fold and put clean clothes away and wash and dry (non-breakable) dishes. 8 to 10-year-olds can hoover (apart from the stairs), clean and tidy their bedroom, dust surfaces, and empty indoor bins.
Remember To Make It FUN (Within Reason)
Now for how to inject some fun into proceedings! I know music definitely lifts my mood when I’m in Cinderella mode and it’s sure to get little people moving too! Let them pick the songs and crank up the volume! Set a timer and turn their chores into a race against you or their sibling. see who gets finished faster and then reward the winner.
If you want to get their toys organised why not divide them up into individual storage boxes then get the kids to design labels to go on them. Finally, get inventive and play a spring cleaning version of Simon Says or Follow the Leader. The children will enjoy an afternoon of games and you’ll get a clean house at the end of it!