I mentioned to someone recently that my three kids all did their own laundry when they were young. From the time they could reach up and pull the "on" button on the washer, they were responsible for cleaning their own clothes. I didn't consider myself the evil mother, loading them down with daily chores, but instead I encouraged them to build those life skills that they'd need once they became adults. I remember my oldest son saying he taught many roommates how to do laundry when he went off to college. Believe me, we had our share of white pants or shirts turning pink when the red clothes went in with the white clothes but that was a lesson learned. I was always willing to help if they needed a load done and they had homework to do or were heading off to a part time job.
Thinking about what a child can learn when given the responsibility of cleaning reinforces my decision to give them those tasks. They lived in our house, ate our food, made the messes--they could help clean. Whether it was laundry, sweeping the kitchen floor after meals or wiping up spills, they were a part of the household and could help.
RESPONSIBILITY: "I made the mess, I should clean it up". Can your child reach the broom and dust pan? What about a sponge or paper towel? If they know they should clean it up, do they have easy access to the tools they need? Invest in a Dust Buster or other small hand-held vacuum--that eliminates the argument that they can't maneuver the vacuum cleaner. They shouldn't use any cleaners with strong chemicals, like bleach, but they can at least start the cleaning process to reduce the chance of a permanent stain. Of course, any mess that can be a safety risk, like broken glass, should be brought to an adult's attention.
SELF-CONFIDENCE: "I know EXACTLY what to do". Juice spilled on the carpet? Get a couple of pieces of paper towel and press it to blot it up. Knocked the box of cereal over? Whisk broom. Ink stain on my shirt? Believe it or not, hair spray was our "soaker" for stains like ink and grass.
WORK ETHIC: How good does it feel to walk into a room that has just been cleaned? Everything in its place, no finger prints, dusting done, pleasant smell. That time spent cleaning really does pay off with a sense of pride and a job well done. Makes you want to invite company over.
ANNUAL DEEP CLEAN or SPRING CLEANING: The sun is shining and suddenly all the fingerprints show along with dust bunnies and spots on the carpet. Encourage your child to help by giving them a box or basket and letting them sort through clothes that are out of season or don't fit any more. A cloth to dust off the book shelf, maybe purge those books you've read enough times and can be donated or handed down to a younger sibling. Give them a roll of colored masking tape and show them how to tear off a small piece and stick it on anything that needs repaired by an adult such as a loose hinge, lamp that doesn't work, stain that needs chemical cleaning.
Children of any age can be asked to help and "cleaning up" is a broad term that doesn't just apply to the mess they personally made but also helping with tasks such as folding laundry, loading the dishwasher, taking the trash out, or simply picking up toys. I hope this chart gives you a practical idea of appropriate ages and starts your family on a path of responsibility in your house! (Chart courtesy of 30 Days).
