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Youngsters want to feel useful too! Here are five tips for happily involving them, and becoming a better parent in the process:
- Give supervised toddlers a carton of extra-non-toxic baby wipes and let them go to town cleaning walls, countertops, and tables. If they’re going to be underfoot anyway, they may as well clean the baseboards!
- Gear tasks to your children’s strengths and interests. If she loves to move, hand her a feather duster and stand back (obviously directing her away from breakables). If he’s thoughtful and methodical, let him polish the table to a brilliant shine.
- Safe, nontoxic cleaners are best for kids and the environment. They’re readily available to purchase, or you can use products you already have in your home. A drop of dish soap in water makes a good degreaser and rinses easily. Baking soda is a great scouring powder for the sink. (Follow it with a cup of white vinegar for a fun foamy show and a fresher drain.)
- Encourage them to do a good job, but be willing to lower your standards a bit. Praise their work, even if you have to redo it when they aren’t looking. Proudly proclaim to guests that “Chase did it himself.” You won’t be seen as a bad housekeeper – just a great parent.
- Skip the toy version in favor of the real thing: Handheld vacuums or non-electric carpet sweepers are fun and with proper supervision are safe tools for kids to use. Let your preschooler help by sweeping up crumbs after supper or snack-time spills. She’ll love feeling like a grown-up!
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