Encouraging your children to be active participants in keeping the house clean not only helps break up the work, but it puts them on track to learning valuable habits.
Encouraging your children to be active participants in keeping the house clean not only helps break up the work, but it puts them on track to learning valuable habits. Finding the right tasks for each age level can be difficult, particularly for children developing at different rates. We’ve put together this helpful guide, but not every child will be the same, some may be able to take on more complicated tasks early, others may need more guidance.
Toddlers
Starting at about age four, most toddlers are interested in helping out. They may want to help by play vacuuming or sweeping, at this age you can begin introducing simple chores with a reward system such as a sticker chart. Ideas for appropriate toddler chores include making the bed together, picking up toys and dirty clothes to put away, feeding pets (with supervision) helping with spills and messes, and dusting with a microfiber cloth.
Preschoolers
From the ages of four to five many children will be able to complete the task without supervision. Having a reward system in place is still beneficial, and stickers or a similar chart can help keep them on track. Good chore ideas for this age include helping to load the dishwasher, setting and clearing the table, putting groceries away, and keeping their room clean.
Ages Six to Eight
Once your child hits the age of six their need for independence increases. At this point, incentives like allowance, more TV time, and more tangible things may be more alluring. Not all chores will be okay at this age, but most will be possible. Feeding and watering the pets, sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping, taking out trash and recycling, helping with laundry, and getting the mail are all possible chores.
Preteens
Once you reach the age of preteen most chores are within range providing you give enough direction and patience for them to learn the task. Having them help decide which chores they do each week and keeping them active in planning the family routine can keep them motivated. Along with tasks like helping with cooking and cleaning up after meals, pre-teens can wash cars, rake leaves, and even clean bathrooms. Make sure that the chore load they have matches well with other activities and homework so that they never feel overwhelmed.
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For over 27 years, Ivete’s Cleaning Service has served clients throughout Montgomery, Howard, and Fairfax Counties and their surrounding areas in Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia. Our goal is absolute satisfaction, and we strive to provide excellent service to every one of our customers. Our house cleaning plans are customized to your needs. We also offer expert commercial cleaning for your convenience during the busy months ahead. To schedule your cleaning consultation, or ask questions about our services, please call 301-518-7172 or request a free estimate online. Be sure to visit our Specials page for special offers on both residential and office cleaning services!