Cleaning with kids: Tips and games for a fun activity
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Time to read 3 min
Cleaning is often seen as a boring chore, by ourselves but especially by children. But what if you could turn this task into a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family? In this article we discuss various tips and games that you can use to involve children in cleaning. This way it becomes a shared experience, in which teamwork and fun are central.
Contents
Why involve children in cleaning?
Involving children in cleaning has several benefits:
• Responsibility: Children learn to take responsibility and understand the importance of a clean living environment.
• Team building: Cleaning together strengthens the bond between family members and promotes cooperation.
• Developing skills: Children develop practical skills that they will need later in life.
• Fun: By making cleaning fun, children will be less likely to complain.
Tips for getting kids involved in cleaning
1. Make it a game
Children are naturally playful and curious. Take advantage of these qualities by
cleaning into a game. This can be done in several ways:
• Timed Contest: Set a timer and see who can clean up the most stuff in the time limit. This encourages competition and makes the task more fun.
• Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that need to be cleaned up. Have children find these items and turn them in for a reward.
• Dress up: Encourage kids to dress up as their favorite superhero while they clean. This adds an extra layer of fun to the activity.
2. Give children tasks that are appropriate for their age
It is important to give tasks that are appropriate for the age and developmental level of your children. This prevents frustration and makes them feel competent. Some examples are:
• Preschoolers: Have them put away toys, put books back on shelves, and do small chores like wiping tables.
• Primary school children: They can help with vacuuming, dusting and sorting laundry. They can also prepare simple meals.
• Teens: Give them responsibility for their own rooms and let them help with larger cleaning tasks such as cleaning the bathroom or tidying the garage.
3. Use music to enhance the atmosphere
Music can be a great way to lighten the mood while cleaning. Pick some energetic songs that everyone enjoys and put them on while you get to work. This will create a positive energy and make the job less strenuous.
4. Reward and motivate
A reward system can be an effective way to motivate children. This doesn’t necessarily have to be financial; it can also involve praise or extra playtime. Some ideas include:
• Sticker cards: For each completed task they receive a sticker. At a certain number of stickers they can get a small reward.
• Family outing: After a successful cleaning day, the family can do something fun together, such as a movie night or a trip to the park.
5. Establish a shared routine
Create a cleaning routine that fits into your family’s daily or weekly schedule. This can help make cleaning a regular part of your life. Kids will know what to expect and it will become a habit rather than a chore.
“Cleaning is not a punishment, but an opportunity to learn and grow together.”
Games for a fun cleaning experience
Here are some specific games you can use to make cleaning more fun:
1. The Cleaning Bingo
Make a bingo card with different cleaning tasks that need to be done, such as "vacuuming", "dusting" or "washing dishes". Or download the bingo card from Washok.nl . Children can cross off a box when they complete the task. The first person to complete a row wins a small prize!
2. The cleaning relay
Divide the family into teams and give each team a specific task. This could be anything from picking up toys to dusting furniture. The team that finishes their task first wins. This encourages teamwork and makes cleaning competitive and fun.
3. The Fancy Dress Contest
Have kids dress up in funny costumes while cleaning. This can range from superheroes to animals. It makes for lots of laughs and makes the activity lighter and more enjoyable.
Cleaning with kids doesn’t have to be a boring and tedious task. By using games, assigning appropriate tasks and creating a fun atmosphere, you can turn this activity into a fun family moment. Kids will not only learn responsibility, but also the value of teamwork and cooperation. So what are you waiting for? Get started and make cleaning a fun experience for the whole family!