SPRING CLEANING: BRINGS MORE THAN JUST A TIDY HOME
Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to rejuvenate our living spaces with some good old-fashioned cleaning. For parents, spring cleaning can be a therapeutic way to manage stress and support good mental health practices. It also offers an opportunity for quality family time, building connection among family members.
Research has shown that doing chores isn't just about keeping our homes clean; it's also associated with improved social skills, academic abilities, and life satisfaction in our children. In fact, a study found that performing chores with any frequency in kindergarten was associated with improved math scores in the third grade.
Engaging children in spring cleaning can be a chance for them to learn new skills and feel pride in completing tasks. It teaches them the importance of teamwork and their role in contributing to the household. Children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification. But how do we get them to engage without resorting to constant nagging?
Step 1: Cut back on clutter
Start with the clutter, the less you have, the less you have to manage. Spring cleaning is a great time to declutter and downsize. Encourage kids to make tough choices about what to keep and what they're ready to part with. Donating items can also instill a sense of giving and allow kids to feel good about helping others.
If you have tried this and haven’t had much success, take a few of those unused toys and hide them away; if your children haven't asked about them after a couple months, it might be time to let them go.
Step 2: Make it Fun
There's no one-size-fits-all approach to engaging family members in any activity, especially spring cleaning. Every child and parent is different, and unique tools may be needed to get everyone involved. However, one universal tip is to make cleaning fun and teach children to enjoy making a meaningful contribution to the team. Especially since we know, learning to love cleaning can lead to a happier, more contented life.
Here are a few ideas our babysitters have helped come up with to make cleaning fun:
Music: Create a cleaning playlist filled with upbeat and catchy tunes to make the chores more enjoyable.
Supplies: Invest in fun and colorful cleaning supplies that kids will be excited to use, a few extra spray bottles never hurts.
Set a Timer: Challenge the family to see how much cleaning they can accomplish in a set amount of time.
Play to their strengths and interests: If your child enjoys water play or organizing, try to find tasks that align with their interests.
Scavenger hunt: Whoever finds the most tiny hair ties or Cheerios on the floor gets bonus point in a challenge, or an extra reward at the end.
Basketball toy toss: Turn cleaning up stuffed animals into a fun game by tossing them into a laundry basket and counting points for throwing free throws and three pointers.
Reward: Plan something fun for when the cleaning is all done, like a movie night or a special treat.
Step 3: Make It Meaningful
No matter how they make their bed, load the dishwasher or fold the laundry, resist the urge to correct and redo their work. Having patience in the process will pay off by teaching them to take pride in their accomplishments and encourage more participation. They will fold that fitted sheet just like mom eventually…
Here are some ideas for age-appropriate tasks our babysitters have shared to get your little helpers involved:
Age 2-3
Bring their plate to the counter
Put away toys
Make their bed
Spray and wipe areas like walls and floors
Sweeping and collecting items with a dustpan
Age 4-5
Clean surfaces
Vacuum
Fold laundry & match socks
Put away laundry
Age 6-8
Separate & put laundry in the washing machine
Mop or Swiffer floors
Remove and change sheets
Help with recycling, compost, or garbage
Cleaning windows
Age 9 and up
Clean out cupboards
Organize the pantry
Clean the fridge
Tidy a closet
Whether with parents, babysitters, nannies or grandparents, spring cleaning can be a fun and meaningful activity for children! The whole family will benefit, and that goes well beyond a tidy home. So grab your cleaning supplies, put on some music, and let's make spring cleaning a joyful family affair! And remember, our babysitters love to pitch in so don’t hesitate to ask.
And, if you love cleaning without any helpers, book a babysitter for the afternoon to help get in that extra “me” time.
Resources:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-children-need-chores-1426262655
https://studyfinds.org/cleaning-house-happier-relaxed-better-sleep-survey/