Parents know that getting kids involved in the chores is good for them, but the process of educating them on what to do and how to do it can be messy and frustrating.
Our advice is to give in to the experience and have a little fun – we promise it will be worth it in the end (not saying where, exactly that ‘end’ may be, however).
Step 1: The Enthusiastic Start
Armed with brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies, muster up all your parental optimism and rally the troops. You’ll find your kids will be thrilled, and eager to join you in this epic cleaning quest. Though do be prepared for this enthusiasm to quickly evolve into a whirlwind of distractions.
Step 2: The Chore Distribution
To foster a sense of responsibility, assign specific tasks to each child. Chocolate and other bribes may be required to ease negotiations here. Otherwise, try not to fight with the natural flow and give jobs to those who volunteer for them, irrespective of how you feel about their ability to complete the task without incident.
Step 3: The Misplaced Priorities
Be prepared for a skewed sense of priorities. Instead of tidying up their bedrooms, they may well insist on arranging a tea party for their stuffed animals, or something similar. Suffice to say, allowing significantly more time for the task at hand will probably be required.
Step 4: The Great Water Fight
It wouldn’t be a cleaning session with kids if water wasn’t involved in some capacity. If a water-fight ensues, try not to stamp on their “creativity” and instead, take it outside so maybe at least the patio might get cleaned. You might also want to prepare yourself by wearing something – if not waterproof – then ancient clothes you don’t mind trashing.
Step 5: The Sock Avalanche
Every house has a legendary Sock Mountain, that mythical entity that appears out of thin air and resides in the laundry room. Diving into this challenge can start off well as a matching game – you might even say, educational – and allow you to clear some of the mountain. But do be prepared for a sock fight too – wouldn’t be fun without it.
Step 6: The “Clean” Kitchen
Ah, the kitchen—where culinary masterpieces are made, and messes are magically multiplied. Don’t be too surprised if this cleaning exercise metamorphosises into a brownie-making frenzy that makes the kitchen look worse than when you started.
Step 7: The Happy Ending
Despite the chaos, the giggles, and the occasional mess that may seem to multiply like rabbits, you will eventually complete your cleaning mission. The house may not be as spotless as you’d like, and you may have unintentionally created a few extra messes along the way, but the memories you made and the laughter you have shared will be worth worth every bit of it. And give yourself a pat on the back that you are kicking off the journey of responsibility for your kids – and who knows – maybe a love of cleaning that will serve them well in the future.
So whatever the outcome, savour the joy that comes with your childrens’ unique perspective on cleanliness. After all, a clean house is overrated, but these precious moments with your kids are priceless…
…and you can always call your trusty SOAPSTARS to recover the aftermath, while you make a clean getaway!