How to Get Your Kids to Clean Their Rooms
If you have a child who loves cleaning their room without being asked, you’re luckier than about 99% of parents out there. For the rest of us, it can take some creative thinking to get the little ones to pick up their toys, vacuum their floors, and clean up their messes.
Luckily, we’re here to help with our handy guide to getting the kids to clean their room with as little tears as possible!
Define “Clean”
There’s a good chance that your child’s idea of clean is a bit different than yours. Help define what a clean room is, by creating a check list with including tasks like these:
- Make Your Bed
- Put Away Toys
- Vacuum the Floor
- Make Sure Dirty Laundry is in the Hamper
- Hang Up and Fold Clean Clothes
Clean Together
If you’re child’s room has been a disaster up until now, cleaning together can be a big help. Play some fun music in the background, and make it a joint activity. Show him or her the proper way to make the bed and vacuum the floor, until your help is no longer needed.
Make Them Proud of Their Space
Instill a sense of pride in your child and their space, by allowing them to make it their own. Let him or her pick the colours and arrange their own furniture in a way that they like. If they love the way their room looks when it’s clean, their’s a better chance that they’ll want to keep it that way!
Determine What Goes Where
It’s much easier to keep things off the floor when they have a pre-determined set place. Decide with your child what should go where, and write it down if needed. If something doesn’t have a place, give it one!
Reward Cleanliness
Some parents have mixed opinions on this tip, but in general, a little reward can go a long way. Even better, give a reward directly related to your child’s space! For instance, if your child wants to change their wall colours, challenge them to keep their room clean for at least 30 days before going paint shopping.
Set an Example
In addition to all these tips, the most high-impact way to encourage your child to keep their room clean, is by setting an example of cleanliness yourself. As the saying goes, “monkey see, monkey do”. Make a point of ensuring that your own bed is made every morning, and little Jack or Jill will eventually follow suit.