The battle is all too familiar in households with kids across America. Every Saturday morning, you start with a gentle reminder: “Okay, kids, time to clean your rooms.” Whining, dawdling, and tantrums ensue. As the day wears on, the gentle reminder turns into an impatient demand: “Get in there and start cleaning up right now!”
It’s exhausting for everyone. Fortunately, there’s a better way to get your kids to clean their rooms than by shouting and scolding. Try these tips for cleaning kids’ rooms to bring a little peace and order to your Saturday morning routine.
Set a Good Example
Don’t live by the phrase, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Kids are too perceptive to accept they must clean their room while their parents’ room remains unkempt. If you take pride in your home and keep your own things in order, that’s the first step toward encouraging your kids to do the same.
Make a Place for Everything
Purchase bins or storage drawers that are easily accessible to kids. A toy box is another way to clear the clutter and make it easy for kids to put their stuff away. Also, consider adjusting the closet rods low enough so your little ones can hang up their clothes.
Encourage your kids to pick specific places for storing their toys, books, and games. Giving them a sense of ownership in the process makes them more likely to keep it looking nice. This also helps them know where things are located, so they don’t have to tear the room apart looking for their favorite toys.
Define What “Clean Your Room” Means
Make a chore chart for your kids to follow. Use pictures for little ones. Include specifics, such as make your bed, hang clean clothes, put laundry in the hamper, and put away toys.
If your kids are just getting old enough to do chores, help them complete their list. When they’re ready, leave them alone to clean, and check the job when they’re done. Micromanaging the process from an armchair is the least effective way of cleaning your kids’ rooms.
Keep a Lid on All the “Stuff”
If you’ve reached the point where shelves, bins, boxes, drawers, and closets are overflowing with stuff, it’s time to let go of some of it. Work with your kids to pare down their belongings, selling or donating what they no longer need. (You may want to offer your kids the proceeds from any sale to motivate them to get rid of stuff.)
Once you restore a manageable level of toys, books, and clothes, keep it that way. When your child gets a new shirt, choose an old one to donate. Likewise, getting a new toy means passing a used one along. This teaches your kids to prize their belongings and feel good about giving things away.
Get More Cleaning Help from Molly Maid
Hopefully, with these tips, your kids will start cleaning their rooms routinely without being asked. Your efforts to instill tidiness and organizational skills in your children could pay off as they grow older, leading to a greater sense of responsibility, better money management, and a more successful career. And it all starts with learning to put toys away with a happy attitude.
If you and your family need a little extra help getting all the chores done around the house, let the professionals at Molly Maid lend a hand. To arrange professional house cleaning services near you, please contact your local Molly Maid today for a free estimate.
