With families pushed into a new stay-at-home routine because of COVID-19, you might be observing how much more quickly the house gets messy and dirty, and wishing you had a kids’ chore list! The cleaning routine you’ve had in the past might need an update to keep up with all the extra activity happening within your home.
Don’t worry- I’m not suggesting YOU do more cleaning. No, no! If you’re home with your kids, you have many capable hands to assist you. It’s likely too that their school day isn’t what it used to be so they have extra time to help out. They just need some training and managing.
I know that “training” and “managing” just sound like code words for nagging and yelling, but WE need to have the right perspective on this opportunity too! Let me talk you into it:
- Kids are responsible for the messes they make– you are NOT their maid! You have many other tasks to manage so its time to delegate.
- Cleaning is a life skill, eventually they need to figure it out. Once your kids are adults they will have to manage work, chores, and play. Let’s help them with that balance now.
- Cleaning teaches us to take care of our things, not just use and dispose. It is a great time to teach kids about our responsibility to the planet.
- Kids must be taught “work before play.” Oftentimes, I think academics are considered their work, but doing chores teach us to be diligent in everything.
- Cleaning is an opportunity for teamwork! When your family works together, you’ll be closer for it.
Are you pumped yet?! I KNOW you can do this! But let me share a few tips so this kids’ chore list gets off to the right start!
- Start out slow– Going from zero to 60 on chores and cleaning is a sure way to burn everyone out. It’s better to feel the momentum grow with this one. Maybe you just pick one task a day to train them in on- do whatever works for you. Just start somewhere and start small.
- Make it fun– No one likes to be micromanaged, including kids! Trust them with the instructions you’ve given, let them make mistakes, and give kind feedback. Be patient and don’t expect perfection. Turn on some music, a podcast, or an audiobook while they clean. Show them that this can be relaxing, enjoyable, and not something to stress over!
- Make it rewarding– Chores and cleaning are rewarding in themselves, but kids don’t always feel that. But they do appreciate your encouragement- thank you’s, hugs, maybe even a treat. When I’m hoping to pull off a neat and tidy house before company comes or we take off or settle in for the weekend, I like to offer a movie or game night so we have something to look forward to at the end of a big cleaning session.
OKAY- we’re motivated, we have the right expectations, now how do we do this? What chores can I give my kids?
Well, thankfully with Norwex products, I can delegate more to my kids at an earlier age since they won’t be handling toxic chemicals. I love that I can put these tools into the hands of my kids without concern for their health or safety. There are so many chore charts out there, but after checking out a few, I put together a Norwex kids chore list for you!
Norwex even makes a few kid products- a Dusting Mitt, EnviroCloth, and Window Cloth. Kids are able to use the regular versions, but I think they feel more ownership when they have the right sized tools. I also love that the Telescopic Mop Handle is adjustable so you can make it “just right,”
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