Make Your Kids Part of the Cleaning Solution

Follow these practical tips to include your kids in the cleaning and organization process.

This is an excerpt from an article originally published on spousescleaninghouses.com, featuring The De-Clutter Box's Kim Cosentino.

Have Realistic Expectations

Preschoolers may not have the coordination or dexterity to neatly make their beds every morning, so a good first effort may be to have them pull the comforter up to the top of the bed, says Kim Cosentino, owner of The De-Clutter Box, an organizing company in Westmont, Illinois. “Be proud of your child’s efforts, and don’t expect perfection.”

Be Specific

Try to give one simple instruction or direction at a time. To a 5- or 6-year-old, “Clean up your room” is an overwhelming statement, but “Put away all the cars in their container” is clearly understood, says organizing pro Cosentino.

Set Limits on Toys

Cleaning is a lot quicker and easier when there’s less clutter to pick up in the first place. Keep toys under control by storing them in covered bins, says Cosentino. “When the bin is overflowing, that flags you that it’s probably time to weed out and eliminate.” Designate a few hours to help your kids choose toys to donate to children who don’t have so many. They’ll learn organization skills and charity at the same time.