How to Get Your Kids to Clean Their Rooms in 4 Easy Steps

As we settle into the new norm of social distancing and a mishmash of in-school learning and the virtual classroom, it’s the perfect time to teach your child to clean their room, or to provide a refresher. Let’s be honest, they now have more time with extracurriculars on hold. So, take advantage of this disruption to teach them how to keep their stuff in order, clean up small messes and put stuff in the trash. It’s an important life skill.

Set A Good Example

After you’ve clearly laid out what needs to be done and how often they need to do it, help them clean it the first few times. Doing chores together won’t seem like such a big deal. While cleaning with them, explain why it’s important, so they don’t feel it’s just arbitrary or a punishment. Once you feel they’re capable of doing it on their own, suggest you clean your own room while they’re cleaning theirs. 

A Space To Call Their Own

Our homes can become crowded, especially if you have a big family. So, let your child’s room be their refuge. A private place they can be alone to listen to music, do their homework or just chill out. The more they like being in their room, the more they’ll want it to be tidy, especially if they’re having friends over. Give them some autonomy over the space by letting them decide the layout and colour of the room, as well as what artwork is on the walls.

A Place For Everything And Everything In Its Place

It helps a lot if everything has a home. For most of us, the goal of a clean room is to have clear surfaces. So, provide kids with boxes and bins for all their toys, games and school supplies. Work together at labelling and deciding what goes where. This will ensure clutter is removed and that cleaning up is a straightforward process. Put cleaning supplies in a cleaning caddy to make it easy for them to grab and go.

Incentivize

Some kids need a little push in the right direction. And, that’s ok. Without a reason or prize, some kids just won’t think it’s worthwhile and getting them to clean their room will just be a constant battle. But, this incentive doesn’t have to be cash. It could mean more screen time, a fresh batch of cookies, control over the music selection next time they’re in the car, having a few friends over, or staying up late on the weekend. Find something that works for YOU!