How to Help Children Clean Their Rooms

Cleaning and keeping clean is a learned skill. Cleaning is a valuable life skill that can be transferred to a lot of other life situations, such as taking care of a home or even maintaining a work area on the job. Teach your child how to clean his room by eliminating clutter, breaking the job down into small parts and making the chore more pleasant.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a place for all of your child's things. Place a chest or dresser with drawers, a closet for hanging clothing, a tub or chest for toys and shelves for books in your child's room. Older children might like to have a desk for homework and maybe even a small lock box to protect personal items from siblings. Help her keep the items clean and in good repair so she can use them as intended.

    • 2

      Remove clutter. Work with your child to clear out clothing that no longer fits or toys he has outgrown. Approach this task with sensitivity. Some items develop sentimental value, even if they are no longer age appropriate. Encourage giving unwanted items to a clothing bank or other charity organization. Praise your child for sharing the things he no longer needs with other children. Point out that the added space in his room gives him more room for projects or displays.

    • 3

      Demonstrate how to accomplish large tasks, such as making up the bed or sweeping and mopping floors. Even hanging up clothing on hangers or putting them away in drawers involves some learned skills. Set a good example by keeping your own household spaces clean. If your child seems to have a hard time getting started on his room, give directions, such as "Please go pick up your dirty laundry and put it in this hamper." When he has finished the first task, add a new task and repeat until the room is completely clean.

    • 4

      Make it fun. Play pretend with your child that you are housekeeping staff in a big hotel. Put on some bouncy music that both you and your child enjoy. Let your child listen to an audio book while he works. Avoid using television, however, because the visuals can draw him away from his task. Reward your child with praise when the job is done, or make keeping his room clean one of the tasks necessary to earn a weekly allowance.

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