One thing that all kids are good at is being messy. Even if it’s with something that you think can’t possibly be that messy, your kids will likely find a way to prove you wrong. However, despite this being in their nature, there are things you can do to help your kids overcome this and learn how to keep things cleaner.
To help you see how this can be done, here are three tips for teaching your kids how to be less messy.
Talk About The Purposes Of Cleaning
Many times, kids view cleaning as some kind of punishment. However, if you want your kids to have an easier time keeping things clean or cleaning up after themselves, you’ll want to break the connection here.
To do this, Nicole Spector, a contributor to NBC News, recommends that you talk with your kids about the purposes of cleaning. For example, one reason to keep things clean is to keep bugs and other pests from getting in your house. Additionally, keeping things clean can also help to keep your family healthy. Once your kids understand the reason for cleaning, they may find themselves trying harder not to make messes in the first place and more eager to help with cleaning once a mess has been made, especially if they are already concerned about bugs or their health.
Use Consistent Cleaning Procedures
For kids to consistently start cleaning up after themselves, they need to have consistent cleaning procedures that they follow.
According to Marie Hartwell-Walker, a contributor to PsychCentral.com, it can be helpful for your kids to work from a checklist when they’re cleaning so they can know exactly what’s expected of them and what needs to be cleaned. Then, as your kids become familiar with what needs to be cleaned and the order it should be done in, completing these tasks won’t be such a chore, for either of you.
Regularly Donate Unnecessary Items
One of the biggest reasons why it can feel like your home gets so messy on a regular basis is because you’re trying to keep more items than you have space for. But if you were to donate some of these things, keeping messes to a minimum would be much easier.
While it can be hard to get your kids onboard with donating some of their toys or clothes, Understood.org suggests that if you declutter once a year and donate everything to a cause, charity, or organization that your child connects to, there may be less separation anxiety to deal with.
If you’re tired of your home always being a mess and your kids not seeming to know how or why they should pitch in and help, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you begin teaching your kids how to be less messy now and forever.
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