Involving your children in house cleaning is also a good time to teach them about the environment, harmful chemicals and how even the smallest of actions can have far-reaching consequences
Trying to involve your children in the house cleaning process can oftentimes seem a herculean task. Just getting them to pick up toys, let alone scrubbing the bathroom sink or dusting the end tables, can be a major accomplishment. But it’s important to involve your children in the cleaning process. It teaches them responsibility as well as consequences (you made the mess, you clean it up). Being part of a family means shouldering some of the chores and kids need to contribute to the household in age-appropriate ways.
Involving your children in house cleaning is also a good time to teach them about the environment, harmful chemicals and how even the smallest of actions can have far-reaching consequences. You don’t have to frighten your kids with bleach horror stories, but you can start a dialogue about selecting appropriate cleaning products and avoiding certain chemicals.
This is a great blog post from SeventhGeneration.com on “What to tell your kids about cleaning products.” It offers some great tips, including:
· Take your kids shopping so you can show them labels and various products they may want to choose – or not choose.
· Talk about how some cleaners and chemicals can make us sick – sometimes immediately and sometimes over a period of time with long-term use.
· This is also an opportunity to talk about why your family believes in using chemical-free cleaners, but the family of your child’s best friend may feel differently. Explain why your family has made this decision.
Children like to be involved and feel part of the process. If they have a hand in picking out the cleaning products, here’s hoping they might want to have a hand in using them.
How do you involve your kids in the cleaning process? And do you talk to them about the products you’re using – or not using? Share a comment – we’d love your feedback!
