Spring Cleaning: Fun ways to get your kids involved

Winter is behind us, and there’s no more snow, ice, and low temperatures. Instead, spring is here with warm days and blossoming flowers. Although sunny days are tempting us to go out and enjoy the weather, it’s time for spring cleaning first! We all know that wonderful feeling of seeing our homes sparkly clean and well organized. However, spring cleaning may seem like a time-consuming and daunting task, especially if you have kids. Luckily, there are many ways to involve your kids in the process and make it a fun activity for the whole family. Plus, participating in home activities will help your kids learn valuable skills and develop a work ethic. With that in mind, we’ve prepared some fun ways to get your kids involved in spring cleaning.

Things to consider before you start

Participating in fun spring family activities as well as more serious ones is essential for kids. This can help your children develop a sense of responsibility and healthy working habits. However, you don’t want to overwhelm them with tasks they can’t do. For that reason, here are several things to take into account before you get your kids to help you out with spring cleaning:

• make sure you give them age-appropriate tasks they can perform well
• provide your kids with clear instructions – telling them to clean their room probably won’t be enough
• give them shorter tasks they can accomplish with ease and see the results – that way, they’ll be more motivated to continue
• make sure to use safe, non-toxic cleaning products
• make a cleaning schedule – don’t try to do everything in a day, or both you and the kids will feel overwhelmed
• be creative and make tasks fun and enjoyable

Turn spring cleaning into a game

All children love games, and making a tedious task look fun will make your children want to be involved. For example, give younger kids an old pair of socks and send them on a hunt for dust bunnies. They can slide and skate around the house, collecting dust off of hardwood floors.

Or, show your older children how to check expiration dates – they can play detectives and check the items in the fridge and cupboards. Another idea is to assign a task to each child and have them rotate as soon as you ring a bell or say a magic word. Rotation will prevent their duties from becoming monotonous chores. Instead, they will be fun and enjoyable.

Let your kids make some decisions

Spring cleaning is an excellent time to declutter and throw away some residential junk that accumulates over the year. This works exceptionally well when it comes to kids cleaning and organizing their rooms and belongings. Teach your children how to get rid of unwanted items they rarely use.

For example, let them rate their toys and other belongings with stars or hearts. Agree in advance to sell or donate the items with the lowest ratings. An additional bonus is to let them keep the money they get for selling unwanted items. Then, they can organize the things they want to keep with a bit of help from you.

Young children will enjoy physical activity

You’re probably planning some screen-free activities for your kids this summer. However, if you can combine physical activity with cleaning, younger kids will be more than willing to pitch in.

For example, mopping and sweeping the floors is a lot of fun for younger kids. When they’re a little older, arm them with a spray bottle (make sure to use green cleaning products) and show them how to clean the windows or other items around the house.

Everything is better with music

If you want to find fun ways to get your kids involved in spring cleaning – play some music!. Choose upbeat, cheerful tunes your children love and make them a part of the spring cleaning process. You can reward the kids with a short dancing session after each task is done. Or, turn it into a game! Tell the children to freeze after each song and then play another one. That way, they get to practice balance and coordination, and you get help with cleaning!

The competition will keep your kids engaged

Whether you have one or more children, you can try a competition game to ensure your kids have an enjoyable and pleasant time while helping. For example, create a checklist of all the tasks (you can illustrate it for younger kids) and have them tick or cross out each task after they finish it. Not only will your kids find it motivating, but they’ll also learn to be efficient and focused on their duties. Ticking off the things on the to-do list will provide them with a sense of accomplishment and success.

Another idea is to designate a time for each task and have children try to accomplish it within that timeframe. They will enjoy the challenge and have a lot more fun packing their clothes, sorting out their toys, etc.

Use rewards to motivate them

You probably don’t want to bribe your kids to help you out. However, there’s no reason not to offer rewards. For example, hide sweets in places they need to clean around the house. So, when they accomplish a task, they’ll find a sweet surprise.

It’s even better to offer incentives and set a goal as a family. Promise them after cleaning is finished, you’ll order their favorite takeout and watch a movie together. Or, explain why cleaning is important and how you’ll finish faster if you all work together. Then plan a fun family trip to the zoo or a day at the waterpark.

Not only will your home be spic and span in no time, but you’ll get to spend some quality time together. Not to mention that finding fun ways to get your kids involved in spring cleaning will help them acquire many valuable skills. Your kids will learn how to work together, make decisions, be responsible and independent, and have a positive outlook on life.

Author Bio:

Angie Sims used to work in the traveling industry for 6 years, and now she works in the relocation industry. For the last 3 years, she has been specializing in helping people with their domestic and international relocation. She is also a full-time mom and a part-time blog writer. From her own experiences, she writes about traveling and moving with children on her blog.