Moms Vibe:
By Krystle J. Bailey
It’s that time of year again. The pollen is everywhere. The remnants of the winter blues are behind us. Flowers are in bloom and spring cleaning is underway. They say cleaning while kids are around is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos. I’d agree. However, the show must go on and the cleaning must get done. This spring, try these ideas to get the kids involved with the seasonal cleaning spree.
Dust Bunny Skating
Get a head start on your floors by turning it into a dust bunny skating rink. Prep the little ones with old socks on their feet then encourage them to go skating for dust bunnies. Have them “sweep” the floor looking for the biggest dust bunny or competing with a sibling to see who can collect the most dust. Be sure to have a trash bag ready to toss the old socks when the skating comes to an end.
Hunt For Change
Bust out the piggy banks and send the kids on a treasure hunt. Tell them they can keep the change they find IF they find it while cleaning up. From couch cushions to laundry, toy boxes to old purses, loose change adds up. The immediate reward will encourage the kids to keep looking for more money.
Mr. Miyagi the Windows
Introduce your little ones to the world of Karate Kid with a little “wax on, wax off” action on the windows. Focusing on gross motor skills and direction following, this tried and true cleaning technique is done by moving your right hand in a circular, clockwise motion followed by a left hand, counterclockwise motion. Use it for windows, mirrors, cars, and anything else you can think of to get your little one excited about helping.
Cater To Your Kids Motivation Style
For children who enjoy checking things off a list, start out by creating a list of all the ways they can help with spring cleaning. Make it colorful and visually appealing to encourage excitement as they check each chore off. For little ones who are motivated by celebration, create a celebratory cheer that you can chant together after each accomplished task. Pump up the music for your busy bodied kids and have a dance party while you clean. Shout the lyrics from the rooftops as you clean. However your child finds motivation, use that to motivate their spring cleaning participation.
Involve Kids In Decision Making
Kids love to feel like they have an opinion and a voice in a matter. When getting started with spring cleaning, ask them which rooms or areas they’d like to focus on first. Empowering them to make this decision will keep them inspired to help. Once you decide on a room, create three piles: keep, donate, and sell. As you organize each room, work with your child to understand what’s worth keeping, how donating can bless someone’s life, and how to be resourceful by selling used items.
Plan a Celebration
As you set out on your cleaning extravaganza, ask your kids how they’d like to celebrate when the work is done. Maybe it’s a trip to Five Below for a new toy, a movie date, or takeout. However your family enjoys celebrating a job well done, plan for that when the cleaning is complete. As you go through each room, talk to your kids about your celebration plans. Ask them what they’re excited about or looking forward to. Remind them how good it feels when things are clean at home and how enjoyable it is to relax after a hard day’s work.
Happy spring cleaning, Shore Local Mamas. I hope these ideas inspire you and your family as you clean out the dust bunnies and open the windows to beautiful May weather.
Krystle J Bailey. Multimedia journalist, Author, Poet.
Connect with Krystle on Instagram @thedailybailey5
