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Training kids to clean properly also relies on giving them age-appropriate jobs around
house -- and not expecting perfection. That doesn’t mean they should be allowed to do a sloppy job, either. As Cleaning Editor of BellaOnline, I dig cleaning. That’s why I’m editor of this site. But, I don’t expect my kids to have same standards that I do. But, I expect them to be able to do an acceptable job appropriate to their age and abilities. When my kids do a poor job, I simply tell them shirt needs to be refolded, for example, and have them correct situation to best of their abilities.
The whole family pitches in when we need to go somewhere and have to clean in a hurry or when we need to do a thorough cleaning. Having kids clean house teaches them responsibility, appreciation and care for their surroundings, and self-pride in a job well done. That’s something every child should experience for themselves.
Housekeeping Chores and Duties for Children
Ages 3 to 5
Help straighten a room Help make their bed Bring items from one room to another Help set or set table Help clear or clear table Bring towels to laundry Swiffer Gather trashAges 6 to 10
Sweep Make their bed every day Do dishes Straighten and pick up Load/unload dishwasher Vacuum Fold & put away laundry Dust Clean baseboards window sills Take out trashAges 11 to Until they’re out of house
Sweep, Vacuum Make their bed every day Straighten and pick up Operate Washer/Dryer; do laundry Clean bathrooms Dust Clean windows Do dishes/load and unload dishwasher
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine (redlotusletter.com) and cleaning editor for BellaOnline and is interested in helping you create a home worthy of living in.
