Cleaning With Kids

Cleaning with your kids may sound daunting, but can be a lot of fun. Getting your kids involved with age-appropriate chores at an early age not only teaches them responsibility but also instills valuable life skills. It is important to assign age-appropriate tasks to children, as this allows them to contribute to the household while also ensuring their safety and development. 

In this article, we will discuss a range of age-appropriate chores for children from 2 years old all the way up to 11 years and older. While we are biased in our favorite household chore (window cleaning), here are some other fun ideas. Just remember- they may make a bigger mess at first but with your patience and guidance, they’ll get the hang of it and become quite the adorable helpers.

Jobs By Age Groups:

Age-Appropriate Chores For children aged 2-3 , simple tasks such as picking up toys, putting clothes in the laundry basket, or wiping spills with a cloth are suitable.

One of our 2-year-old’s favorite things to do is help clean windows because it’s bubbly and fun. It keeps her engaged for around an hour and she’s getting quite good at it. Try filling up a bucket of soapy water (we use blue Dawn dish soap) and let them use a microfiber cloth to wash the windows. Will it be messy? Absolutely! Will they have a ton of fun? You bet! Just be certain that they are washing something ground-level like a sliding door so as not to risk falling. Also, make sure that they have a mat or non-slip surface to stand on as your floor is about to get very wet.

We included some pictures from a recent cleaning below. She was having so much fun that her 9-year-old brother decided to hop in. They took turns with the wet cloth, the shower squeegee, and the dry cloth. Now THAT is a win!

Young Children Can Help Too

Your Children aged 4-5 can take on slightly more challenging tasks such as making their beds, setting the table for meals, or watering plants. With adult supervision and guidance, they can also participate in window cleaning by using soap, shower squeegees, and soft cloths under close supervision.

Elementary Is The Perfect Time To Get Them Involved

As kids reach ages 6-8, they can handle more responsibilities like sorting laundry, sweeping floors, or feeding pets. Window cleaning at this stage can involve using spray bottles with diluted vinegar solutions and gently wiping surfaces with microfiber cloths. You can also let them use a small handheld vacuum to clean the sills and tracks.

For children aged 9-10 years old, tasks like folding laundry, loading/unloading the dishwasher, or vacuuming become appropriate. They can also assist in window cleaning by learning proper techniques such as using squeegees and working from top to bottom. They can also start helping with exterior windows, or windows that require a step stool.

 

Big Kids Help Clean In Big Ways

Once kids reach 11 years old and older, they are capable of taking on more complex chores like mowing the lawn or cooking simple meals under supervision. They can handle window cleaning independently using appropriate tools and techniques, ensuring streak-free results. Cleaning with kids of all ages, especially into their teenage years will help build the confidence, knowledge, and independence they will need when they enter adulthood.

 

Importance and Benefits:

To make your family’s cleaning time enjoyable for your little ones of all ages, try turning it into a game or competition. You can set timers or play upbeat music to create a lively atmosphere. Offering small rewards or incentives can also make their experience more exciting and motivate them to participate enthusiastically. With some trial and error, you may find that cleaning with kids becomes a household tradition.

By involving your children in household chores, you not only lighten your own load but also empower them with valuable skills and a sense of accomplishment. So, let’s make cleaning windows and all other chores a fun and engaging family activity!

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