↑

Modern Mom Life

Kids activities, family fun, and more!

  • Kids Activities
    • Crafts
      • Disney Crafts
      • Holiday Crafts
        • Christmas crafts
        • Easter Crafts
        • Halloween Crafts
        • Mardi Gras Crafts
        • Thanksgiving Crafts
        • Valentine’s Day Crafts
      • Mason Jar Crafts
    • Coloring Pages
    • Kids games
      • Bingo
      • Holiday Games
        • Christmas games
        • Easter Games
        • Halloween Games
        • Mardi Gras Games
        • Thanksgiving Games
        • Valentine’s Day Games
      • Scavenger Hunts
      • Toys for Kids
  • Recipes
    • Air Fryer
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Dinner
    • Disney Recipes
    • Drinks
    • Game Day
    • Holiday
      • Christmas Recipes
      • Easter Recipes
      • Halloween Recipes
      • New Year’s Recipes
      • Thanksgiving Recipes
      • Valentine’s Day Recipes
    • Instant Pot
    • Keto recipes
    • Side dishes
    • Slow Cooker
  • Printables
    • Games for Kids
    • Gift Tags
    • Holiday
      • Christmas Printables
      • Easter Printables
      • Halloween Printables
      • New Year’s Eve Printables
      • St. Patrick’s Day Printables
      • Thanksgiving Printables
      • Valentine’s Day Printables
    • Organization & Cleaning
    • Planners & Calendars
    • School
      • Homeschool
  • Shop
    • MML Shop
    • LikeToKnowIt
    • Amazon Picks
  • About
    • Meet Michelle
    • Contact
      • PR/Advertise
    • Featured
      • Texas Today
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Copyright
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy

5 Simple Ways to Motivate Your Kids to Clean

Cleaning

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Thank you O-Cedar for sponsoring today’s post on how to motivate kids to clean!

Let me count the ways I have told my child to clean her daily mess. I have become a broken record. Sometimes I catch myself sounding like my own mom and that’s when a flood of memories pour through my brain.

So this is what my mom meant when she said, “Just wait until you become a parent. You will understand!”

Here I am repeating the same lines my own mother delivered many years ago.

Since making the decision to become a work-at-home mom I have found it increasingly difficult to keep the house spotless. Add a newborn baby to the mix and it’s a struggle to keep the house clean.

Sometimes I can literally see a trail of items similar to the breadcrumb trail Hansel and Gretal left. Instead of food, it’s an never ending trail of toys, shoes, and outfits that she may have worn for a hot minute.

I don’t remember it being this difficult to keep the house spotless when I worked outside of the house. Perhaps it’s because we weren’t home as much. Or, maybe it’s because I had the means to hire help. (That was a hard service to cut from the budget, but sacrifices had to be made). RIP Maid Service.

Several studies have shown that a cluttered home can lead to depression and anxiety. That’s reason enough to (try) to keep the house clean because parenting is stressful enough.

How can we as moms keep the clean house without feeling overwhelmed and stressed?

Cleaning with small children in the house can feel like it’s a losing battle.

I am sharing a few simple and easy ways to get your kids to clean up no matter their age.

Simple Ways to Get Kids to Clean

Define expectations but be realistic

Be specific when asking kids to clean. Telling a young child to “clean their room” might be too vague. Instead, be detailed on tasks such as put your shoes in the basket and make your bed.

Put it in Writing

A Chore Chart is a great way to keep cleaning organized and on track for everyone in the family. When the days get away from us a list of cleaning tasks can be helpful to stay organized.

Show Praise

You bet your bottom I made my daughter fell like she won a gold medal in cleaning when she mopped our kitchen for the first time. The smile on her face was priceless and she was motivated to clean some more.

Kids need to know they are on the right track by praise and recognition. As adults, we appreciate when our efforts are recognized. That is no different for kids. Make sure they know how appreciative you are when they complete a task.

Plan a Yard Sale

Explain to your child that you are hosting a yard sale and any toys. This tip might be tricky if your child isn’t fond of giving away her toys. Mine seems to always want to suddenly play with a toy she hasn’t picked up in months when she sees me donating it so here lately I have been sneaking items out. However, when you explain that they could earn money to buy other items they seem to agree. We also donate items to others when I don’t have the effort to coordinate a yard sale or sell it online. This teaches kids to be kind and giving while getting rid of the clutter that will result in a tidier home.

Make Cleaning Fun

Sounds impossible but I promise it isn’t. Sometimes I trick my child into cleaning by seeing how fast she can pick her toys up. Then, the next time we try to see if she can beat that time. Sneaky or smart? I say both!

I realize that once she gets older she might not fall for that trick anymore so we will have to find other ways to make cleaning fun.

Creating incentives can help motivate children to clean. Rewards could be an increase in allowance, watching a favorite movie or a special outing. If you are brave perhaps an extended bedtime.

Purchase items at Walmart that make cleaning easier and more fun such as the O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop & Bucket System. The second I brought it out, my daughter was obsessed with pumping the water out of the mop into the bucket with the foot pedal. This allows for hands-free wringing which is very convenient.


getting kids to clean

Because the O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop is lightweight with an adjustable handle she was able to clean our kitchen floors.

Mission Accomplished!

Granted, she was under close supervision from myself and her brother, but at least we were able to clean as a family and set a foundation for future opportunities.

getting kids to cleanThanks to the splash guard on the bucket all the water stays in the bucket, no splashing. Which translates into less mess for me to clean up.

Also, the deep-cleaning microfiber removes and absorbs tough dirt and grime that my adorable yet messy Labradoodle tracks into the house. Too bad he can’t join in on the cleaning.

getting kids to clean

How do you motivate your kids to clean?

PIN TO SAVE CLEANING TIPS

Kids to clean

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

By Michelle Hancock | August 10, 2017

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Meet Michelle

Dallas Blogger 

 Hi, I’m Michelle. My mission is to help moms believe in themselves through realistic parenting hacks that make life with kids easier and more fun!



Follow On Instagram

@modernmomlife
📣 FRIDAY 50% OFF SALE on the ultimate Memory Bo 📣 FRIDAY 50% OFF SALE on the ultimate Memory Box Bundle set. 📣  💻 Use code MEMORYBOXIGSALE at checkout in the MML Shop or use the link in the profile and it will automatically be applied at checkout! (Head to story or link in profile to shop)  Make a DIY school memory box kit to keep your child's artwork, school work, photos, and more! This printable bundle includes many different versions to match your child's style! This home filing system will organize your kids' schoolwork in an effective and clever way.  PURCHASE INCLUDES: Memory Box File Tabs - 4 different designs of folder tabs (Baby to 12th grade) on 2 PDFs My Memory Box Cover - 6 designs on 6 PDFs All About Me Printable - 5 designs on 5 PDFs  This bundle only includes DIGITAL PRINTABLES. It does not include the box, vinyl, or folding files.  #Organization #MemoryBoxes #KidsSchoolWork #GetOrganized #Declutter #DIYProjects #KidsActivities #ModernMomLife #MomLife
🎬Eeek! Today I filmed a segment with Texas Toda 🎬Eeek! Today I filmed a segment with Texas Today about fun Spring activities for kids!  📺 Should air within two weeks. Stay tuned for the air date. Thank you, @nbctexastoday @rossiramirez_ for inviting me on the show. It was so much fun! Everyone at Texas Today was so friendly and welcoming!  Texas Today airs weekdays at 11:30 am on @nbcdfw.  #DallasMomBlogger #texastoday #nbc5dfw #DallasMom #boredombusters #kidsactivities
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with this delicious Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with this delicious and easy to make Cat in the Hat Fruit Kabobs!  Which Dr. Seuss book or quote is your favorite?  Head to ModernMomLife.com for recipe or head to link in profile for recipe!  #ReadAcrossAmericaDay #DrSeuss #DrSeussDay #CatintheHat
AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to cook nuggets in ours. It's incredibly easy and tastes amazing. Find out how to make plant-based Air Fryer nuggets in minutes. Delicious and crispy, Raised & Rooted™ Plant-Based Nuggets can be easily found at #Target Serve with your favorite sauce to serve as a quick meal or snack. Head to ModernMomLife.com for the recipe and Target Circle Offer information. #RaisedAndRooted #TysonFoods https://lnk2.io/wCmhGSX
🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Cro 🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Croods: A New Age Blu-Ray + DVD+ Digital Code!  To enter:
1️⃣  Like this photo
2️⃣  Follow @thecroods & @ModernMomLife 
3️⃣  Tag a friend in the comments (1 comment = 1 entry)  One winner will be selected on 3/1. Good luck!  Offer valid to US residents only. This is not affiliated with Instagram.  ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨   THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is coming available on Blu-ray/DVD now! It's great family family fun!  #CroodsNewAge #FamilyFun #KidsActivities #MoviesforKids #TheCroods #movienightathome
☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! ☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! Grab these free St. Patrick’s Day worksheets for kids to celebrate the holiday. Lucky you! The St. Patrick’s activity packet includes games like St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, St. Patrick’s Day Sudoku, St. Patrick’s Day word scramble, and more! This PDF includes 33 pages of St. Patrick’s activities for kids – all for free! All you need is a printer to start the fun! Head to ModernMomLife.com or my link in profile! Have fun! #StPatricksDay #BoredomBuster #kidsactivities #gamesforkids #stpatricksdayactivities #momlife

About.

  • About Us
  • Disclaimer
  • PR/Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Contact

Connect.

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Categories.

  • Cleaning
  • Organization
  • St. Patrick’s Day
  • Easter
📣 FRIDAY 50% OFF SALE on the ultimate Memory Bo 📣 FRIDAY 50% OFF SALE on the ultimate Memory Box Bundle set. 📣  💻 Use code MEMORYBOXIGSALE at checkout in the MML Shop or use the link in the profile and it will automatically be applied at checkout! (Head to story or link in profile to shop)  Make a DIY school memory box kit to keep your child's artwork, school work, photos, and more! This printable bundle includes many different versions to match your child's style! This home filing system will organize your kids' schoolwork in an effective and clever way.  PURCHASE INCLUDES: Memory Box File Tabs - 4 different designs of folder tabs (Baby to 12th grade) on 2 PDFs My Memory Box Cover - 6 designs on 6 PDFs All About Me Printable - 5 designs on 5 PDFs  This bundle only includes DIGITAL PRINTABLES. It does not include the box, vinyl, or folding files.  #Organization #MemoryBoxes #KidsSchoolWork #GetOrganized #Declutter #DIYProjects #KidsActivities #ModernMomLife #MomLife
🎬Eeek! Today I filmed a segment with Texas Toda 🎬Eeek! Today I filmed a segment with Texas Today about fun Spring activities for kids!  📺 Should air within two weeks. Stay tuned for the air date. Thank you, @nbctexastoday @rossiramirez_ for inviting me on the show. It was so much fun! Everyone at Texas Today was so friendly and welcoming!  Texas Today airs weekdays at 11:30 am on @nbcdfw.  #DallasMomBlogger #texastoday #nbc5dfw #DallasMom #boredombusters #kidsactivities
Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with this delicious Celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday with this delicious and easy to make Cat in the Hat Fruit Kabobs!  Which Dr. Seuss book or quote is your favorite?  Head to ModernMomLife.com for recipe or head to link in profile for recipe!  #ReadAcrossAmericaDay #DrSeuss #DrSeussDay #CatintheHat
AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to AD: Looking for easy Air Fryer recipes? We love to cook nuggets in ours. It's incredibly easy and tastes amazing. Find out how to make plant-based Air Fryer nuggets in minutes. Delicious and crispy, Raised & Rooted™ Plant-Based Nuggets can be easily found at #Target Serve with your favorite sauce to serve as a quick meal or snack. Head to ModernMomLife.com for the recipe and Target Circle Offer information. #RaisedAndRooted #TysonFoods https://lnk2.io/wCmhGSX
🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Cro 🎉 GIVEAWAY CLOSED 🎉  Giving away The Croods: A New Age Blu-Ray + DVD+ Digital Code!  To enter:
1️⃣  Like this photo
2️⃣  Follow @thecroods & @ModernMomLife 
3️⃣  Tag a friend in the comments (1 comment = 1 entry)  One winner will be selected on 3/1. Good luck!  Offer valid to US residents only. This is not affiliated with Instagram.  ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨   THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is coming available on Blu-ray/DVD now! It's great family family fun!  #CroodsNewAge #FamilyFun #KidsActivities #MoviesforKids #TheCroods #movienightathome
☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! ☘️ You are in Luck! New Printable on the blog! Grab these free St. Patrick’s Day worksheets for kids to celebrate the holiday. Lucky you! The St. Patrick’s activity packet includes games like St. Patrick’s Day Bingo, St. Patrick’s Day Sudoku, St. Patrick’s Day word scramble, and more! This PDF includes 33 pages of St. Patrick’s activities for kids – all for free! All you need is a printer to start the fun! Head to ModernMomLife.com or my link in profile! Have fun! #StPatricksDay #BoredomBuster #kidsactivities #gamesforkids #stpatricksdayactivities #momlife
Copyright ©2021, Modern Mom Life, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE & REWARD STYLE MEMBER, I EARN FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES.
Design by Pixel Me Designs
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non-necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

SAVE & ACCEPT