Teaching Kids 2 Clean pt. 2

This series has four parts. For your convenience, I’ll post a bullet point synopsis at the beginning of each post so you can skim, skip ahead, or cherry pick according to your little heart’s desire!

1st post: About me/my qualifications, reasons why a child should learn to clean.

2nd post: How to get started, they will follow

3rd post: Scheduled game plan

4th post: Rewards and consequences

So you’ve read my passionate case for cleaning in post one… now let’s talk about how to get started.

You are the Captain of your family’s ship. Your children are watching you like a sponge. Ever heard yourself say, “Oh my gosh! I’ve turned into my mother/father!” Well, it’s because you watched your parents and ultimately became like them.

As a leader, it is up to you to confidently set the tone. You have permission to the boss and the parent. You’re not going to scar your children for making them do chores. If that’s the case, half of us would be in therapy… oh wait.

Lead and they will follow.

Be open with your children about the reasons why you want to create and enforce chores, rewards, and consequences. Be willing to take time to explain it and answer their questions. That’s what being a parent is all about. Children don’t realize that their parents are also still growing up and learning, but be humble and explain it them. Then learn a system that works together. Show them how you learn a new system. Show them that it’s hard and not fun for you too.

There is no shame in admitting and acknowledging challenge. There’s no shame in failure… if you have a bumpy start, keep trying. You’ll teach your children how to “get back up on the horse” again.

So if you’re serious, make a list of reasons why the chores or cleaning is important to you. How does it make you feel? How does it impact your life? How does it impact others?

If you hire a company, you will still need to maintain your clean during the week. You’ll still need to pick up. Maybe take some time and explain to your children why you may outsource some of the services. Maybe from time to time, you cancel the service and show your kids that you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and do the work when needed? You get to decide how and why you want to teach your kids these lessons, but define it first so you can lead with confidence and purpose.

Keep positive and have a good attitude. Kids will mimic you, even if they are stubborn.

Don’t give in and don’t do their chores for them. Join a support group, see a therapist, get your spouse to help.. but don’t give in. You must be strong, soldier. Your kids will test you and you must stand firm. Not backing down and being consistent speaks true love.

Teaching children about cleaning can also be a great opportunity to teach them about hygiene and valuing possessions, doing a good job, and their time. Show them you value yourself enough to do some of this too.