With your child excitedly anticipating summer being right around the corner, spring is the perfect time to teach your child new habits. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be all about getting the house in order in preparation for summer. It can also be a time to help your child understand the importance of cleaning and organizing. Here are some ways we recommend helping your child tidy up this spring:
Avoid Cleaning as Punishment
If you use cleaning as a punishment, your child will see cleaning as a punishment. This negative association can lead your child to putting off cleaning chores or avoiding them altogether. Talk to your child about why cleaning is important for everyone in your home and why it’s better if everyone contributes. Help your child see cleaning in a positive light so they’ll feel good about doing it.
Make Cleaning the Obvious Choice
Explain the benefits of cleaning to your child, and don’t be afraid to talk about the icky stuff like germs and mold. Teach them about how cleaning tasks pile up when they’re not done. If they understand that cleaning is easier the more often it’s done, they’ll be more motivated to do it whenever it’s their turn. Depending on your child’s level of stubbornness, they may need to learn this lesson the hard way.
Encourage Future Thinking
Children often don’t think in terms of consequences or next steps on their own. However, cleaning and organizing become much easier when you think about what you’ll have to deal with in the future. If touting the immediate benefits doesn’t appeal to your child, encourage them to think about the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative. For example, if they organize their school supplies now, they’ll be able to find them later and finish their homework more quickly.
Break Tasks into Chunks
Adults may find it easier to find a day to power through all the tasks they need to complete, but that’s not the case for children. Children need frequent breaks to be able to focus on the task at hand. Whatever your child needs to accomplish, whether it’s chores, homework or preparing for an event, help them break the tasks into manageable chunks. Cleaning the floor is one chore that can easily be broken up. Start with sweeping, then take a break before moving on to mopping. You’ll be amazed by what your child can accomplish when they’re focused.
Use Lists and Calendars
There’s nothing quite like being able to mark a task off as complete. Writing lists and creating calendars may feel like extra work, but this activity can help your child feel ownership of their to-do lists. If your child is artistically inclined, allow them to design their calendar or to-do lists. If not, there’s always fun stationery you can print out or find at a store. Either way, using lists and calendars (especially if stickers are involved) will make daily tasks a little more fun.
At our Orlando private school, we encourage students to stay organized at school and at home. Located in the Diocese of Orlando, St. Charles Borromeo is more than just a place to learn; it’s a diverse community. Our staff is committed to proclaiming the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. We believe in teaching the whole child and want students to love learning, helping them grow into well-rounded, contributing members of society. Learn more about us by contacting us here.
