House cleaning goes faster and a lot funnier with the entire family helping one another. So last Sunday, with the weather so uncooperative, the head of the household instructed his kids to help the mother with the cleaning. And he led by example.
A few house cleaning tips to get everyone involved in the task safely, efficiently and again, fun:
SHOW THEM HOW.
As we demand to know what is expected of us in a workplace, same is true with our children. If we want our children to make his bed, for instance, then we need to teach them step-by-step. Cleaning the bed may be alien to the kids. And as parents, we should not blame our children for not listening or following our orders. Had it occurred to you that maybe, the child does not know how to clean? Apparently, no one had ever taught him how to clean his room thus he doesn’t know where to begin.
Now that my boys are ten and eight years old, I told them to clean the bathroom every after bath. I showed to them how I scrub the tiles and sink and how to sweep the floor. I did not make use of any cleaning material other than scrub and water. I later explained to them that as I clean the bathroom, I use toilet cleaner and scrub. But for them, they only need to scrub the tiles so the floor and tiles would not be too slippery. After that, much to my delight,the boys indeed “splash water and scrub the tiles” after using the bathroom.
So parents need to realize that children have to be taught how to clean because they aren’t born knowing how to do it.
GIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTION.
The kids would easily relay to the task if they know what to do. So give them specific instruction. To keep from overwhelming little kiddos, we parents can give out one or two directions at a time. We should let the child finish the first task before asking him to do another. Example would be, “Bunso, use the brush to scrub the dirt off the block. Good! You may then put the soapy block on the bin.”
ASSIGN OR GIVE POST.
Sometimes, telling them to “scrub the floor” sounds too harsh. We may have a lot more luck and be obeyed by naming the task cute words like “you will be THE MR.SCRUBBER for the week.” Husband asked our firstborn to scrub the floor last Sunday. The task sounded too tedious. Instead, we may soften it by coining fun post names. The kids would then feel somehow elated being assigned a different post other than being a student at school or being the firstborn. It will all the more thrill them if we give responsibilities or key result areas (KRAs) for that specific post alone. For instance, the SCRUBBER’s area is the floor. His main job description is to make the floor sparkling clean.
I am the SOFA SCRUBBER. And I use an auto fabric and upholstery cleaner to wash the dirt off our sofa.
Bunso and Second son are the BLOCK SCRUBBERS. Their main task is to clean their block toys with a toothbrush and detergent soap.
Firstborn is the LIEUTENANT SCRUBBER. He is a junior commissioned officer in our household. His main task is to assist his father with the scrubbing of the floor.
The father is the SCRUB MASTER
TEACH BY EXAMPLES.
We cannot teach cleanliness to toddlers if they see for themselves that we do not clean as well. Also, we need to remember that children mimic us — their parents. If our things are disorganized and messy, we cannot expect them to keep the house or their own stuff in order. We will only confuse them if we insist that they make their room in order if they see that our bed is messy. We should teach by example.
GO SLOW.
We need to remember that they are children and they may not get the task done on the first try. Allow them to perfect a chore, before assigning a new one. We need to monitor them but allow them to complete the task by themselves. After each meal, it is second son’s duty to clean the dining table. His first few tries were unsuccessful leaving me to repeat them. But after some time, he was able to perfect the task.
REWARD THEM AFTERWARDS.
We parents should likewise use encouraging words to make the task light for our little kids. A simple pat on the back or “good” , “very good” would do. It won’t hurt as well if we cook something to relax them after a tiring task. my treat to the boys –
Grilled pork chop with grilled beans and tomatoes. Sparking wine for the parents and soda for the tots.
Sharing household duties is fun. And it would be a lot more fun if we involve everyone even our six-year-old kid. Exempting one of our children might cause jealousy or bitterness. There are always tasks suitable for their age.
Cleaning as well does not spell ALL SERIOUSNESS. Especially with kids helping us, we need to be a little creative, light, and gentle.
And lastly, it is so easy to let the kids be involved in any household task if we as parents are cooperative as well. We teach them, PATIENTLY. We train them LOVINGLY. and we LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
(August 2012)
* I am decluttering my blog and getting rid of unnecessary and unrelated posts. I chance upon this and this brings back memories. We do not have much before. We only have a few appliances and our dining table has just enough food for the day. But how patient I was back then. And how giddy the boys were. Perhaps because I was more loving before. This post reminds me to be PATIENT and LOVING. Thank you, Lord, for letting me read this again and be reminded.
Child labor. Hehehe! But it’s good that they know how to clean after their own mess even if they’re boys and they’re kids. Mamahalin ka ng future daughters-in law mo.
Tsarap naman nung grilled pork chops and sparkling wine.
ehehe. nageenjoy naman sila e.
pessimist ata ako, takot akong iwan silang walang alam sa buhay kaya hanggang maaga turuan na para kung sakali mang wala na ako, alam na nila mga bagay bagay kahit paglilinis lang ng bahay.
Huy grabe ka naman. Wag ka munang mamaalam ha. Masyado pa silang bata. Pero ok din yang tinuturuan mo sila. At least they won’t grow up like the typical Pinoy males who are lazy and who think that it’s a woman’s job to scrub floors.
ehehe. buti na yung handa. me memorial, kabaong at lupa na rin ako.
yung kay papa j naman ngayon binabayaran ko para ala na problem mga bata kung dumating man ang panahon.
Among all your entries, this is my favorite. Yes, our kids should learn to work while they are young! This also teaches them that they are important in the household, because Mommy *needs* their help. And at the end of the day, wine and soda! Love it!
Your correct Wendy. You sure see the future. Msbolin makes sense to days when you need not think of work at the office and hoping you rest but you can’t. : )
A united family sure revitalize each members thru sharing (of chores) and the prize (food).
I could use your tips when our helper goes on vacation in May. Scrubbing to some music will also be fun!
Yes, with music will surely be a hit.
My son is also doing chores at home. He always volunteers to clean the bathroom but I don’t let him kasi sayang sa sabon pero gagayahin ko nga yang water + scrub lang. hehehe! Where did you buy the auto fabric and upholstery cleaner?
Hardware shops have them. – ace hardware or true value. Auto shops as well 🙂
Doing chores at home with the family is a bonding time also hahaha tapos minsan may halong kulitan. Working as a team ang bilis lang matapos specially pag marami kayo. Masaya din pala pag maraming anak sis. hehehhe
Hahaha. Yes, its fun to have the boys help you with tasks. Its masakit sa ulo if they start the kulitan but i just choose to laugh with them than mainis.
We were doing household chores together especially this summer… i assigned them task and they do it naman for quite a while… they still get distracted with play.. maybe bcoz they are still young but still im happy that my daughter can wash the dishes for us and my son waters the garden… it somehow lessen my work… and it teaches them to be responsible. after all when they grew up they would do the same things for their own..
Indeed. I hope our children will grow up responsible and will not think we just want to ruin their summer vacation. Ehehe
I don’t know much about parenting but I definitely agree with this! I watched an American TV series called “The Little Couple” and was amazed how they include their kids in every activity like cooking. They said, they like to engage their children to different household activies so that they will learn even in an early age. It may be messy and you need a looot of patience but it’s a fun learning activity and is always worth it. Also, these kind of memories are the once we treasure the most specially for the kids when they grow up. So aside from helping each other with the chores, you’re also having fun with your kids and creating awesome memories together. 🙂
Yes, i hope they appreciate the lessons learned as well as the fun and memories built.
Good job, Mommy! I believe that children should have tasks and do household chores, regardless of social status and gender.
Thank you and super agree with you.
Admittedly, I’m not very good with household work 🙁 But I like keeping my things and place organize and clean. When done with the entire family like what you did, cleaning/scrubbing can be a lot of fun!
Keeping everything in its proper places also helps us think and decide clearly. We may not be good at household work but keeping our things clean and organize is pretty impressive.
I like cleaning.This reminds me of my one year old wiping her toy when I showed her how to haha.I hope I could influence her to help me clean someday.
She will definitely. Children usually mimics their elders so she will also do what you usually does.
It’s a good practice to get kids involved with house chores. Often children refuses to because they think their time is important for — PLAYING! A minute less on playing time is an eternity. So I suppose it works if kids think of chores as a way to have fun too.
Thank you for your affirmation 🙂
Wow galing! I want to know what cleaner you use on your sofa and where do you buy it. Our sofa seriously needs cleaning!
Thanks. Its an auto /upholstery spray lang readily available in Handyman or Ace Hardware.
I like how you used some words to lighten the tasks. Hehe, I’ll do this too to my son.
Thank you.
My son is turning 2 in August, but he’s already fond of “cleaning”. We live in a studio unit so he sees everything that we do. He likes copying us, so I would just find him holding a broom or a rag. Because of that, we made it a point to ensure that all cleaning items are clean. I’m planning to buy his own set soon. Hopefully, he’d still enjoy cleaning when he grows up.
Also… “We do not have much before.” – we are currently here in our part of our life. We don’t have much now, but reading your post is very inspiring for me. In a few years time, I’m excited to see how far we’ve gone. This reminds me on why I started my blog in the first place: to track progress. Hopefully one day when I look back, I would have traveled far. And hopefully, I’d keep the same passion that I have right now…even more 🙂
Good luck to us! Yes, its inspiring to look back and realize weve gone too far. May the good Lord guide us always of our endeavors and may He always make us humble despite success and fame.
MAde me miss Nanay! Filipino culture is always interesting on its on way!
🙂
He he..this is great!! Seriously, it’s good to teach children about cleaning right from the beginning!! 🙂
Yes, so they would know how to when they grow up and hopefully do things On their own than ask helpers to do something for them.
Thankfully we have helpers at home and the most we do is show them how to scrub right. We just tell them the effects of not cleaning right and how we could get sick coz of diseases.
Good thing your helpers are all attentive of your instructions. Its really good to give not only instructions but the reason for doing so.
it sure is a must to lead as examples to our children. I love the idea of cleaning the the fam as they will make finishing chores faster and much more enjoyable, I just hope my son will cooperate! 😀
Surely he will. As you’ve said, lead by example 🙂
These are great tips! I lost another yaya (again!) so I am training my kids to help me out, although limited to packing away their toys. Thanks for sharing your tips 🙂
You are welcome. We are maidless and yayaless for so many years now and we enjoy the house more than with them around.
is your blog’s theme new? ang lamig sa mata!!!
Loving all your tips pero fave ko ang reward part hahaha
Yup, thank you. A friend helped me with the logo. And yes, fave part ko rin ang reward. Ihihi.
I actually agree scrubbing is fun and kinda therapeutic.
🙂 Yes, but not too much to scrub. Ihihi
Excellent ideas on how to get kids into cleaning. It should be fun for them so they feel motivated.
Thank you. Yes, they had fun and i hope motivated,too.
scrubing our bathroom is one of my stress buster. Glad that your family cooperates with household chores.
They have no choice, i guess. Ihihi. But yes, im happy they are cooperative.
Yes. Looks sweet when doing things together. I bet your husband loves to scrub and clean everyday to have a taste of that grilled chicken. 🙂