There are lots of reasons to create a cleaning schedule for kids! First of all, it’s a great way to teach your kids responsibility-that all people in the house help take care of the house. Secondly, it’s a great way to teach your kids how to properly clean something a cleaning schedule for kids takes the main responsibility of cleaning off of the parents and it teaches kids how to properly manage time – i.e. you get your work done before you can play. Plus, be sure to check out the end of the post for a free printable to help you set up your cleaning schedule for your kids!
3 Simple Steps for Setting Up a Cleaning Schedule for Kids:
1. Brainstorm a List of Chores:
For this, you’ll want to take into account the ages of your children, obviously giving the younger kids easier, more manageable jobs. You’ll also want to consider which of your responsibilities, if you let them go, would improve the the routine in your home. In my house, my kids empty the dishwasher and set the table while I prep and cook dinner. This simplifies my evening, saves me time, and frees me up to help my kids with their homework, or sit down and relax with them after we eat.
2. Make a Chart or a Schedule:
To save yourself from nagging and reminding your kids to do their chores, be sure to post their cleaning schedule! Write the chores out clearly, or type and print them out and hang them somewhere your kids can easily see it!
3. Consider Consequences or Rewards:
Will you pay for chores? Or, will you deliver a consequence if the cleaning is not done? Figure out what your rules will be based on what will best motivate your child. Also, consider what rules are easy for you to enforce-don’t promise your kids a dollar a day for cleaning if you don’t have any dollars handy! Make sure the rules are also clearly posted so there is no question about them and you can avoid yelling and nagging to get the chores done.
Remember, it’s never too early to set up a cleaning schedule for kids. Even kids as young as 2 can help to clean up their toys at the end of the day. This not only teaches them how to put their toys away, but that cleaning up is a part of the daily routine in your house! Also, it’s never too late to start a cleaning schedule. Just because your 16 year old has never done his laundry, doesn’t mean he can’t start now!
Having trouble coming up with a cleaning schedule for your kids? Click the link below for a list of questions to help you figure it all out!
Questions to ask when creating a cleaning schedule for kids
