Getting your kids to clean is sometimes a HUGE task, and I think overwhelming to most Moms. It's just easier and quicker to do it ourselves. But, let me tell you...for me, I've learned (through much prayer!) that teaching my kids to help clean is THE answer to a more peaceful home, and THE answer for me to get it done. And not only that, it helps them in SO many ways - it teaches them how to clean, it teaches them responsibility, it gives them a sense of accomplishment, it helps them to learn how to think of others (how good it will make Daddy or a guest feel when they come to our home - I teach my kids that it helps people to feel welcomed and honored when they enter our home), and it helps them to feel what peace and order feels like so they can begin to crave that. Now, I realize, that for some with itty bitty's (kids under two), this is not going to happen and it really is up to you to do everything...remember, this is only a season...it does get better! First of all, I'll tell you who I've got working for me. I've got a 7 year old son who literally did not start cleaning until last year. I just could NOT get the boy to focus - he's like me - details, details. It wasn't until I learned to clean, that I could teach him how to clean. Then, I have a 3 year old who is GREAT at cleaning - most days. She still gets distracted - but is WAY better at it than my boy ever was. So, here is what I did:
1) For my boy, I wrote out a "To Do" list (this works well for husbands too- must be a boy thing?) He couldn't read, so I drew pictures of what needed to be done. It went like this only with little pictures with squares beside the pictures that he could "check off" (which he loved): Pick up all clothes off floor (draw a picture of a shirt), Pick up all trash off the floor (draw a little trashcan), Pick up all books off the floor and put them in bookshelf (draw bookshelf), etc. It sounds like a lot of work, but it is worth it. You could just draw it one time and then put it in a plastic protector sheet (like you put in notebooks) so you can use a wipe-off marker to do the "checking," so you can use it over and over again.
2) Walk it through with them a few times so they know exactly how to do it.
3) Start small. Maybe start with 10-15 minutes at a time. Maybe put on the same "cleaning music" to cue them that it is ready to clean. Also, a timer set for 10 minutes helps them to hurry and do as much as they can in 10 minutes, and, it helps them to know that there is a definite end to this cleaning!
4) Help them at first until they feel confident to do it on their own. But, don't do it for them - do it with them. Even hold their hand and pick something up with them and walk it to where it is supposed to go in a cheerful manner - believe me, this does NOT work if you are too firm (I unfortunately know from experience that this only creates resentfulness and not the desire to want to help Mommy)!
5) Praise their efforts ALOT!!! Give them big hugs and tell them what a big boy/big girl they are and how they are really helping you so much!
Part 2 will be coming soon with more details!
