Create a good habit - teaching kids about cleaning

Guest Post by: Zowie Ashton from Flat Cleaning London

Good habits start early ​

Teaching responsibility takes time, patience, devotion and consistency. Whether your goal is to teach kids to help with household chores or how to take proper care of their own rooms the process is similar. Kids should be taught that cleaning is not an obligation but just a necessary habit- a habit which will improve not only the overall look of their own rooms but will also help them build a character. Actually, cleaning and tiding up after oneself is the brightest example of a responsibility that each and every kid ought to learn to experience from an early age. We believe that the earlier a kid is involved in the cleaning chores, the sooner he or she will create a good habit.

Set an example ​

Children are easily influenced by everything around them, but their parents have the strongest influence on them. In order to teach your kids how to clean, you need to serve as their example. If parents do not keep their homes neat and tidy, it might be challenging for kids to realize why it is important to clean on a regular basis. We understand that it is tough to keep a home immaculate, especially in the presence of children, but if everything stays where it is supposed to, and the mess is reduced to a minimum, it sets a good example for the little ones to follow. ​

Lay out clear expectations ​

Not only is a good example important. Parents should be specific when they give directions. Saying to your kids something like “clean your room” will not do the trick. The naked truth is that adults and children have different concepts of what a clean room looks like. You need to make sure that you are specific, and your kids understand your expectations. If your kids are younger, try to break the cleaning process down into smaller steps. For example instead of asking your child to "clean the bathroom" you could ask them to "clean the mirror", then once that task is complete then "wipe down the counter and sink", next have them "change out the hand towels and fill the hand soap" and so on and so forth. This way, even young ones, will learn in small steps how to clean a bathroom.

Encourage your children

Beyond everything else, when you teach your children to clean, adults have to encourage their achievements even though they may not always meet your expectations. Nobody was born taught, after all. You need to be prepared because things are not going to be done right, at least not in the very beginning. There might be books under the bed or shoes behind the desk. If possible, let kids pride themselves on their performance by telling them that they did great. Teaching kids about cleaning does not happen overnight. Be patient! With time, little efforts and consistency, the positive outcome will be evident. ​

Avoid controlling language

You do not want to turn into a dictator of the cleaning tasks, do you? Choose your words carefully, and try to go easy on your requests. You will see that if you pick up the right words, your kids will follow your lead without being obstinate. ​

Start cleaning together

If you do want to create a good habit for your kids, you should start doing the cleaning together. With time, children will get used to the process and will not need you to supervise them anymore. Another thing you should have in mind- do not put the bar too high. Do not hold out much hope for the outcome. You have to show your kids how you expect them to do something and they will adapt to your way.

Teaching children how to clean at an early age will help them build character. Yes, some kids may be slow learners but this is forgivable. Be patient and everything will work out!  

About the guest author: Zowie Ashton is a small business owner in London. Her company, Flat Cleaning London, is known for its convenient and reliable cleaning services. Zowie is very passionate about her work and is an expert in home improvement, cleaning, and organization.