The cleanliness of the room is low on the priority list for kids. This can be seen by the dirty clothes, the scattered pop-its, the Pokemon cards, and the cups of milk that have been half-drunk (is it milk?). On the nightstand. What can a parent do (other than rage-cleaning)? You can teach them to do it themselves, which is easier than you might think.
Lauren Schapiro is a psychotherapist at Liz Morrison Therapy in New York City. Reframing the language is one way to get kids to do their chores. Instead of commissions, they could be called responsibilities. This language change will help children feel like they are helping themselves and those around them.
Want to get them to clean up instead of complaining? You can use these 11 tips to teach your kids how to clean up their rooms and encourage them to do so.
Reframe the language to get kids to do their chores. Instead of commissions, they could be called responsibilities.
Why kids should clean up?
Most kids will scatter like roaches when their parents say, “Clean your bedroom” (which is part of the problem — we’ll get to that in a moment). Learning to keep your room clean is an important life lesson.
Schapiro: “Chores can be a hot topic between parents and children, but they are essential to teach kids responsibility. When kids are given chores like cleaning their rooms, they gain confidence and feel more competent. Children want to be able to accomplish tasks that they previously could not. Having chores improves self-esteem as children can complete these tasks.
The Appleshine Organization and Design in New York City suggests that kids learn cleaning by narrating it to them. Meena suggests that you talk through the process of cleaning as you go. This will help them learn. “Say, ‘I am putting back all the trains in this bin to make it easier for us to find them next time.'” “I’ll then put all the food in the kitchen because that’s the right place.”
Make it a routine
Make it a regular thing. Don’t just tell your child to do something on a whim because you saw the tornado. So they won’t be surprised, and it won’t seem random. Schapiro says that a weekly schedule for when children should clean their rooms sets expectations right from the start. Let them pick which chores to do and when.
You decide how often to clean their bedrooms. Meena says, “I am a Type A, and I love to have the playrooms and bedrooms cleaned every day or night, but it might not be for everyone.” Whatever you decide, however, ensure that the children are involved in cleaning, even if it’s just a little bit if they’re young.
Whatever you decide, ensure that the children are involved in cleaning, even if it’s just a little bit if they’re young.
Crank up the music
Music is one way a mom can get her 9-year-old daughter to clean up her room on her phone. Kristin Imhoff, Middle Village, New York, says that her daughter is still interested in using/touching/doing anything on her phone since she does not have one. “I let my daughter make a music playlist, and she rocks out while cleaning her room with headphones. It always works, and it’s adorable to watch.
Mixed storage
What is the best way to clean your bedroom? Mix up your storage. Meena says using different storage solutions such as drawers, shelves, cabinets, and toy chests will show kids that each item has its own ‘home.’ It’s also easy to tell kids where things go — books on the shelves, stuffed animals in a large basket, etc.
“Using different storage options, such as drawers, shelves, cabinets, and toy chests, shows kids that every item has a home and its own ‘place.’
Art supplies: it’s time to throw them out
Children love art. It’s a great thing because it encourages creativity and expression. It’s great that their creativity doesn’t end up over the duvet. Meena says keeping art supplies out of small children’s bedrooms is best. She advises that, when it comes to children, art supplies should be kept in a place out of reach so adults can only access them.
Consider a chore chart
Schapiro says that if you use a chore chart, you should do it correctly. She says that if you use a chart for chores, it should be both developmental and specific. If you want your child (or children) to complete the assignments you assign, you should break them down and make sure they understand how to do them.
Do not add “clean the room” to your list of chores. You can be more specific by adding “make the bed,” “put away clothes,” and “tidy up desk.”
Where can I buy: The threThreeds Design Kids Chore chart ($3, Walmart)?
Use a 10-minute power cleaning
Lauren Sanchez, the mother of four children in Los Angeles, encourages her children to clean up by setting a 10-minute timer and seeing what they can accomplish. Sanchez says that it feels like a fun game for her kids. “I set the timer, and they rush to get as much done as possible in that short time.”
This shirt-hanging hack is a great way to save space
No one — and we mean no one — enjoys folding, sorting, or putting away their laundry. This is especially true for teens and tweens. Show your child this laundry tip TikTok that has been viewed over a hundred thousand times.
Offer Rewards
For some children (and their parents), rewards are the best way to motivate them. Be careful not to over-incentivize. A reward must not be a trip to Target or even more screentime.
Schapiro says that rewards can motivate some kids to clean up their rooms. But you don’t have to give them money or a gift. “A reward could be a family activity or praise.” Some parents do not agree with rewarding their children for doing chores because they believe their children should be expected to perform tasks. However, praise is sound reinforcement when kids start cleaning their rooms independently.