Let’s face it: oftentimes it’s parents who are left to shoulder most of the burden when it comes to household chores and cleaning. We’ve all been there: you get home tired after a long day and it feels like you’ve got another day’s work ahead of you between meal prep, clean-up, and all the other chores that accrue over the course of the day. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way! Cleaning and housekeeping can be a responsibility that kids and parents can share. Educating your children on the importance of keeping the home clean and tidy is not only going to benefit you, but also the kids themselves. It’s an essential life skill they’ll be glad to have when the time comes to fly the nest. So, let El Milagrito be your guide as we outline the best ways to delegate chores fairly among all the family.
1: Set a good example
It’s important for kids to see that they’re mom and dad are a team when it comes to household chores. Even if one parent is out of the house more due to work commitments, it’s important that when you are both present you work as a team. Set an example to your little ones by showing them how collaboration in the home works. Discuss cleaning routines openly and delegate chores evenly amongst yourselves. Let them learn the power of teamwork first hand.
2: They’re never too young to start
If there’s one thing you can be sure of when it comes to children, it’s that they are never to be underestimated! Children appreciate autonomy and start to develop this characteristic in their second year. Foster this innate instinct in them and develop their sense of responsibility. This could be something as simple as helping you put away dishes after meals, or washing their own hands after meals. By the time they are five, most kids are ready to take on small responsibilities and duties in the household. Assigning them simple chores in the home from an early age will increase their awareness and understanding of what it takes to maintain a clean home. What’s more, it will grant them a sense of empowerment knowing that they are an essential part of the day to day running of the home.
3: Encourage, support, and reward
Kids being kids, it’s not unusual for them to show reluctance when it comes time to tackle the clean-up, especially when they get to those awkward teenage years. That’s why positive reinforcement is essential. Don’t just delegate the tasks you don’t want to do yourselves. Work together on chores. Share responsibilities. Draft a cleaning rota and give them the freedom to select the tasks they feel best suited to perform. Last but not least, show your appreciation. Tell them how much it means to you to count on their support. That way, your children will understand that they are an integral part of the team.
4: Educate them on the importance of cleaning
Sure, cleaning is an everyday chore that many people take for granted, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an art to it. Knowing the right techniques is essential. Not only is it a valuable skill for them to learn in preparation for adult life, it will also save them time when they’re engaged in the chores. The more efficient their technique, the sooner they’ll be done and the more satisfaction they’ll get out of the task. Furthermore, it’s important to educate them on why cleaning is so important. Good household hygiene plays an important role in keeping the family healthy.
5: Make it fun
A wise woman once said: “with every job that must be done there is an element of fun”. There’s no reason why you and your family can’t clean and have fun at the same time. Here are some easy ways to make your clean-up time fun for the kids.
• Music: Put your kids in charge of the cleaning playlist. Talk about the songs and sing along. It will make the time pass faster.
• Play games: Word games like Twenty Questions are another great way to pass the time when you’re doing chores.
• Audiobooks and podcasts: Let the kids choose an audiobook or podcast to listen to. This will give you plenty to talk about during and after the clean-up.
Home Comforts Made Easy with El Milagrito
One of the most important things in any household is having quality cleaning products that you can rely on. That’s where El Milagrito comes in. Our comprehensive range of products will transform the way you clean, giving you more time to spend with the people who matter to you most. For more expert advice and cleaning tips, be sure to check out our blog.