Reset Together Each Night
One thing that can greatly improve the atmosphere of your home is getting it cleaned up and reset each night before bed. But, I don’t mean just mom or dad doing this all by themselves. I mean getting the kids involved too.
Having kids clean up after themselves teaches them responsibility, taking care of their own things, and that it takes everyone to help run a home. Remember, you’re raising someone who will be an adult someday. Let’s make sure they can function on their own. This is one step toward that (and toward improving your own sanity). Kids as small as 2 years old can easily help pick up their own toys.
I know having small kids try to “help” feels like a lot more work sometimes. But I also know that so many people save it for after bedtime, only to be too worn out from the day to actually complete it, and then wake up the next morning to a storm of toys all over the place. And boom, already stressed. No one wants that.
So, add cleaning up into your bedtime routine. If your child is super resistant because this is a new thing try this:
- Have them just clean one thing. Give them lots of praise for it, tickles, and excitement for it. The next night, have them do 2-3 things. Slowly increase so they are doing more and more on their own.
- Make it a game. Set a timer and see how much they can do in that time.
- Do it as a family. Don’t put it all on them to do alone. And, make it a positive time together.
- Do you have older kids? Explain what’s up and why you’re doing it. Offer a reward for following directions. Remember, this isn’t forever! It’s just while getting started in something new.
I know, it sounds like way more work right? It’s temporary. And ultimately, it’ll give you some peace back. So, work together and teach those kids that they have responsibility to your home as well!
PS: Here’s some extra chores your littles can help with:
- Putting their clothes away
- Collecting the dirty towels to put in the washer
- Help clear the table
- Help wipe windows and mirrors
- Put their dishes in the sink after eating
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