Cleaning Routines For Kids

As a working homeschool mom, keeping up with housekeeping can be a challenge.

That’s why creating practical cleaning routines for kids is essential. Including your children in cleaning tasks not only teaches responsibility but also helps share the workload.

But with all the cleaning tips for busy moms out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start.

Let’s face it, maintaining a clean and tidy home is no easy feat. One of the biggest challenges of creating a cleaning routine is getting your kids on board. It can be tough to motivate them to help out with household chores, but it’s important to instill a sense of responsibility and ownership in them. This not only teaches them valuable life skills but also helps to lighten the load for you.

As a fellow mom who understands the struggle, I’ve found that creating a cleaning routine that works for my kids has been a game-changer.

I use cleaning planners and checklists to help me keep track of everything and make sure things are getting done.

In this blog post, I’ll share some tips and strategies for creating effective cleaning routines for kids, regardless of their age.

Working mama, you don’t have to do it all! By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a cleaner and more organized home in no time.

Creating Cleaning Routines For Kids

Creating cleaning routines for kids is important for several reasons.

It teaches responsibility, promotes teamwork, and helps kids develop good habits. By involving your children in the cleaning process, you can also take some of the load off your shoulders, as they learn to help keep your home clean and organized.

As a homeschooling mom, your goal is to raise responsible children, and learning how to clean the home is an essential life skill for them to have. If you are anything like me, the last thing I want to do is clean my kid’s apartment after they move out. I’d rather spend that time with them.

To create a cleaning routine that works for your family, start by making a list of tasks that need to be done daily, weekly, and monthly. If you downloaded the free cleaning checklist, you can use those lists as a starting point.

Once you have those lists created, assign each child a task from the list, taking into account their age and ability.

Keep reading for a few examples of what “age-appropriate tasks” might look like.

Allow your children to choose which cleaning task they want to do because it allows them to feel in control. I have found this vital for the pre-teen to teen years. You’ll find they complain less when they have a say in the matter.

5 Tips for Assigning Age-Appropriate Tasks

When creating your cleaning routines for kids, assign age-appropriate tasks. Doing this can help your kids develop a sense of responsibility, build their self-confidence and help them contribute to the household.

• Consider their age and ability: Make sure the task you are assigning is appropriate for your child’s age and ability. For example, younger children may be able to pick up toys or help with simple dusting, while older children can handle more complex tasks like washing dishes or cleaning bathrooms. For a full list of chore ideas for kids by age, check out the Cleaning Planner for Busy Moms.

• Ask questions: Before assigning a task, ask your child if they feel comfortable doing it. Some children have sensory issues and may not feel comfortable using certain cleaners or noisy vacuums. Take this into consideration and give them an opportunity to express their concerns.
  
• Show them how to do it: If the task is new to your child, take the time to show them how to do it properly. This will ensure that they understand what is expected of them and can perform the task correctly.
  
• Start small: If your child is new to cleaning, start with a small task and gradually increase the difficulty as they become more comfortable.
  
• Provide positive reinforcement: Make sure to provide positive reinforcement for a job well done. This can be as simple as saying “Thank you” or “Good job”. This will not only help them develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work, but it will also encourage them to continue helping out around the house.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are assigning age-appropriate tasks when you create your cleaning routines for kids.

Set Up Kid-friendly Cleaning Stations

When it comes to creating cleaning routines for kids, setting up cleaning stations can be a helpful strategy. These stations are designated areas in your home where your kids can store their kid-friendly cleaning supplies and complete their assigned tasks.

For instance, you can set up a cleaning station in the bathroom with cleaning supplies such as a scrub brush, toilet cleaner, and paper towels.

In the kitchen, you can set up a station with sponges, dish soap, and a garbage can.

When setting up cleaning stations for your kids, make sure to choose cleaning supplies that are kid-friendly and non-toxic for their safety.

Three examples of kid-friendly, non-toxic cleaning supplies:

1. Vinegar: Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and can be used to clean a variety of surfaces. It is safe for kids to use and is non-toxic.
   
2. Baking soda: Baking soda is another non-toxic cleaning supply that can be used to clean surfaces, remove stains, and deodorize your home.
   
3. Castile soap: Castile soap is a natural, plant-based soap that can be used for a variety of cleaning tasks, including washing dishes and cleaning floors. It is safe for kids to use and is non-toxic.

Disclosure: I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Lucy’s Family Owned – Natural Distilled White Vinegar, 1 Gallon (128 oz) – 5% Acidity (White Vinegar, Gallon)Arm & Hammer Baking Soda, 16 oz (3 Pack)Quinn’s Pure Castile Organic Liquid Soap, 32 ounce (Unscented)

 

By setting up these stations, you can make cleaning easier for little hands and help your kids take ownership of their cleaning tasks. Don’t forget to involve your kids in the process by letting them choose their supplies and helping them keep the stations organized.

Make Cleaning Fun

Making cleaning fun for kids is a great way to keep them motivated and engaged in their cleaning routines. Here are some tips to make cleaning fun for your kids:

• Turn cleaning into a game: Challenge your kids to a cleaning game. Set a timer and see how much cleaning they can get done before the timer goes off. For instance, you can time them for five minutes to see how many toys they can pick up or how many surfaces they can wipe down. This tip is a family favorite!
  
• Incorporate music and dancing: Turn up the music and dance around while cleaning. Singing along with your kids can make the cleaning routine more enjoyable. Dancing along to the beat can make cleaning a fun activity that your kids will look forward to.
  
• Be silly and creative: Use your imagination to make cleaning routines for kids a little more playful. Try inventing new cleaning games or coming up with silly cleaning challenges. You can even let little ones dress up in costumes while cleaning, or pretend you are superheroes saving the world from mess and chaos.
  
• Offer incentives: Encourage your kids to do a good job by providing incentives. For example, you can offer extra screen time or a special treat for a job well done. The promise of a reward can be a great motivator for adults and kids.

If you can make cleaning fun for kids and can create an enjoyable cleaning experience for your kids and make cleaning routines for kids less of a chore.

Sticking To The Cleaning Routine

Creating cleaning routines for kids is one thing, but sticking to those routines can be a constant battle.

If you struggle, you are not alone. Learning to be consistent and stick to a schedule is important.

One way to do this is to create a cleaning schedule and place it in a visible spot in your home where everyone can see it. I keep ours on the fridge!

You can also set reminders on your phone, use Alexa to remind you, or calendar to help you stay on track.

Try habit-stacking by incorporating cleaning tasks into your daily routine. For example, make cleaning up after breakfast a part of your morning routine, or add wiping down the counters to your after-dinner routine.

Consistency really is the key to making cleaning routines a habit, even during busy times. Remember, if you miss a day, don’t beat yourself up. Just pick up where you left off!

How to Motivate Reluctant Kids to Clean

What if you’ve created the best cleaning routines for kids and your kids won’t participate? Motivating kids to clean can be overwhelming but it is not a lost cause.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you motivate your reluctant kids to clean:

• Talk to your child: Sit down with your child and ask them why they don’t want to clean. Is the task too difficult or too easy for them? Are they afraid to make a mistake? Once you know the problem, brainstorm together to find a solution.
  
  For example, if the task is too hard, ask your child how they could make it easier. If the task is too easy, show them a different task or remind them that even easy tasks must be done.
  

• Lead by example: Children learn best by watching their parents. If you want your kids to clean, lead by example by keeping your home clean and organized.

• Give them a choice: When your child doesn’t want to help, give them a choice. For example, you can ask them if they want to clean or cook dinner, or if they want to mop the floor or fold laundry. By giving them a choice, they still feel in control while you still get the help you need.

Cleaning Schedules For Kids

Looking for more help in cleaning routines for kids?

• Should Your Teen Do Chores?
• Cleaning Schedule for School Age Kids
• Kids’ Cleaning Tips: How to Clean Your Room

Cleaning Routines For Kids!

Creating a cleaning routine for kids can seem like a daunting task, but with these tips, you can make it a fun and manageable activity for your family.

By assigning age-appropriate tasks, setting up cleaning stations, using kid-friendly and non-toxic cleaning supplies, and making cleaning fun, you can help your kids develop a positive attitude towards cleaning and responsibility.

Remember to stick to your cleaning routines for kids by creating a cleaning schedule, posting it in a visible location, and making cleaning a priority.

Once cleaning becomes part of your daily routine it will become much easier. So, try these tips today and watch as your kids become little cleaning pros!

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