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Get the family to pitch in and clean up. Teaching kids to clean at home is a chance to instill a work ethic – no one else is going to do it! The home is the first and finest classroom.
Let’s take a minute to put our goals in perspective: a home is to live in, not live for; there is nothing wrong with making a mess (the problem is not in making a mess but in leaving it behind for someone else); the real goal in all of this is better kids and family.
With that in mind, kids actually need very little to be happy. Big clutterfests aren’t necessary for every event in their lives. The less there is to scatter, the less gets scattered. Kids are better than us at keeping memories without a whole shelf of mementos.
Home design gives kids a head start.
To start your own list of low-maintenance ideas, here are some design features that have worked well for me and other parents:
- built-ins
- minimal sharp corners and edges
- semi-gloss or high-gloss paint
- durable, washable wall coverings
- vinyl flooring
- camouflage
- lower closet rod
- low, well-labeled drawers
- oversized switchplates
- adequate waste receptacles
- one blanket, not three
- a generous bulletin board
- a desk of their own
Send all that energy outdoors.
Invite the kids outside with yard furniture and built-in recreation. Turn part of your yard or driveway into an activity center for volleyball, basketball, badminton or whatever.
Start a family cleaning plan.
Have everyone make a list of chores everyone agrees are essential, plus some you would all like to see done whenever possible. Divide the necessary chores among your family.
My message to kids:
Don’t wait to be told or asked. You can do it all! You’ll be building your muscles/body, too.
Mess-prevention mantra:
If you open it, close it. If you take it out, put it back. If you turn it on, turn it off. If you move it, put it back. If you unlock it, lock it. If you use it up, refill or replace it. If you break it, fix it. If you can’t fix it, find someone who can. If you borrow it, return it. If you make a mess, clean it up. If you’re done with it, put it back. If you don’t know where it goes — ask!
To make child cleaning a success:
- Start them young.
- Set a good example.
- Praise them whenever you can.
- Be consistent (stick with it!)
