How I Taught My Kids to Deep Clean the House Every Week
As a homeschooling, working, mom of three whose husband travels during the week I have very little “spare” time. And when I do have “spare” time, I don’t want to spend it all cleaning! At times, a house cleaner just hasn’t been in the budget. At other times, we could have afforded one - if we chose to. Yet, I resisted. Why? Is there something wrong with hiring help? No. Was I being prideful? Maybe. Stubborn? A little. Foolish? Perhaps. All of the above?!? Well, I wouldn’t go that far…. After some serious contemplation as to why I was opposed to a house cleaner, I arrived at my conclusion: the value a house keeper provided didn’t outweigh the value of teaching my children to clean.
Here’s WHY:
Engrained Work Ethic: I want my kids to see me tackle chores head on. Sometimes I feel like cleaning and other times I don’t. Either way, they get to see my thankfulness that I have a beautiful home to clean, my resolve to power through and get the job done, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
Early Appreciation: Helping take care of their own home now helps them appreciate what it takes to manage and maintain a household. It sets the expectation that family members each have an important contribution to make to the home, preparing them to be more helpful husbands or wives, or simply better homeowner in the future.
Self reliance: I want my kids to grow up thinking “How can I get the job done,” not “Who can I find to get the job done?”
Time Management: I want my kids to see that big, overwhelming tasks can be accomplished by working together, a little bit at a time.
Quantity Time: I won’t call deep cleaning quality time because cleaning toilets together in rarely “Quality” however our daily chores do contribute to Quantity time, and to have the relational currency with your kids that forms deep bonds, you need both! something lacking in our modern age. Did you know that parents spend 25% less time with their kids today than just a single generation ago???
But deciding not to hire a house cleaner didn’t help me get my house clean. Now what?!?! One day, a lightbulb went off. “If I can’t find the “spare time” to do the cleaning myself, then bring my kids along!” A friend had once shared how she and her children, ages two and three at the time, cherish doing chores together every morning. If her kids could do it- and enjoy it - so could mine. And if my kids can do it, so can yours!
All I needed was a plan. For years now, the plan has worked. My kids have it memorized. They don’t whine or complain about it, it’s just what we do. It’s as much a part of our morning routing as brushing our teeth and washing our face. Ya’ know, wake up, wash face, brush teeth, clean a potty… With my Littles, I come along side them and we do it together. My oldest is beginning to take pride in doing them herself! If you have older kids, this plan will work, but might take some adjusting- as do all changes. Persevere. It will become habit in time. And the rewards are great! Before long, a weekly deep cleaning will become part of your household culture, just as it has ours. Here’s how to make it happen on the daily, with a few fun ideas thrown into the mix. Remember: your attitude will be their attitude, so make it joyful. You got this Mama. Go shine!
HOW:
Monday: Mirrors and Windows Make a silly face in the mirror then “spray” yourself. Let your kids take turns using the spray bottle. Kids love being up high, let them stand on a stool or counter to wipe down taller mirrors, or go halfsies- you do the top half and they do the bottom where they can reach easily!
Tuesday: Toilets and Trash My Princesses love that even their toilet has a “wand.”
Wednesday: Wipe Downs! This is any area that needs a little TLC- baseboards, microwaves, fridge shelves, etc… Get cute wiping towels or rubber gloves to wear. You can also use a dust wand which usually turns into a tickle fest afterwards!
Thursday: Tubs and Showers Let your kids hop in the shower or tub with a squeegie or soap wand and go to town!
Friday: Floors- Sweep, Mop and Vacuum Deluxe! We sweep and spot mop daily but this is the big overhaul. Sometimes the kids are rescuing their toys off the floor before the vacuum monster eats them!
Saturday: Sheets - Pull the sheets off and remake the beds. Teach your kids to make their bed so they have a cozy place to crawl into each night. Let them take pride in arranging the pillows, folding a blanket at the foot of the bed or placing a special stuffed animal at the top.
Sunday: Day of Rest! Thank God!
Challenge: Try the plan for ONE week and leave your comments below. I love hearing your stories and experiences!
*Note: I differentiate between “clean" and “tidy.” In certain seasons of life- especially the Toddler Season- you may have to choose one or the other. Babies and children learn by playing, exploring, throwing, smacking, whomping, bonking, smearing, smushing - all the verbs! Do your best to pick up toys as you go, but do not let a mess of stuff make a mess of you! It’s not worth it. Toys may be strewn across the floors, but they are clean enough to eat off of! My house may not be tidy, but it is clean! And I’m ok with that - for now ;)
