Video of Tidy Up Song
How To Get Kids To Clean Their Room.
Here are some tips from Melissa Maker
Make It Fun.
Play some music. Songs are often used in schools to set the mood or to help complete a task during a transition. Any chore set to music will be much more fun.
Make a game of it. If they can clean up before the song ends they will put more energy into it.
Turn it into a mission. Challenge them to prepare the spaceship for launch. Children may not know the importance of a clean room, but they do understand an important mission must be completed.
Make It Easy.
Give them attainable goals. Instead of cleaning the whole room they could do specific things like making their bed or picking up toys and books. Follow up with compliments. Positive reinforcement helps to create long term habits.
(There is a list of age appropriate chores further down this page).
Participate.
Set the example by cleaning with your kids. Lead by example. Children will mimic your mood and actions.
Rewards and Recognition.
Your kids will love getting recognition for a job well done, so let them know they've done a good job.
You can reward then in many different ways. Rewards are not bribes. You know what your kids like. It could be watching a movie together or playing a game with them.
Adapt.
Your children are unique, so you will have to adapt and be creative in your approach. There are no real rules other than making cleaning a part of everyday life. Not a chore - a routine.
Make It Fun.
Play some music. Songs are often used in schools to set the mood or to help complete a task during a transition. Any chore set to music will be much more fun.
Make a game of it. If they can clean up before the song ends they will put more energy into it.
Turn it into a mission. Challenge them to prepare the spaceship for launch. Children may not know the importance of a clean room, but they do understand an important mission must be completed.
Make It Easy.
Give them attainable goals. Instead of cleaning the whole room they could do specific things like making their bed or picking up toys and books. Follow up with compliments. Positive reinforcement helps to create long term habits.
(There is a list of age appropriate chores further down this page).
Participate.
Set the example by cleaning with your kids. Lead by example. Children will mimic your mood and actions.
Rewards and Recognition.
Your kids will love getting recognition for a job well done, so let them know they've done a good job.
You can reward then in many different ways. Rewards are not bribes. You know what your kids like. It could be watching a movie together or playing a game with them.
Adapt.
Your children are unique, so you will have to adapt and be creative in your approach. There are no real rules other than making cleaning a part of everyday life. Not a chore - a routine.
Age Appropriate Chores for Children
Rebecca Jackson.
Pre-school
Kindergarten. 5-7 years.
1st Grade. 6 - 8 years.
For complete list go to:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/school-thought/201411/age-appropriate-chores-children
Pre-school
- Pick up their toys.
- Choose clothes (limit their choice at this age).
- Help to clear the table.
- Help with setting the table.
- Learn how to dust.
- Begin to make their own beds.
- Clean their teeth.
- Feed the pets.
Kindergarten. 5-7 years.
- Lay out clothes the night before.
- Set the table.
- Clear the table after meals.
- Separate laundry, whites and colors.
- Toys to be picked up at a regular, scheduled time.
- Empty backpack.
- Empty the contents of lunch bag.
- Choose their lunch items.
- Dress themselves. You can help with buttons, shoe laces at ages 5 & 6.
1st Grade. 6 - 8 years.
- Their choice of clothes to set out the night before.
- Get fully dressed on their own.
- Make their bed neatly.
- Fully ready for school before breakfast.
- Take out the trash.
- Sort what's for re-cycling.
- Dust a room once a week.
- Tidy their bedroom. Vacuum and dust.
- Set the table, including condiments and beverages.
- Pack their backpack.
- Unload some of the dishes from dishwasher.
- Put their own clothes in draw, with direction from parents.
For complete list go to:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/school-thought/201411/age-appropriate-chores-children
