School Holidays – the Clean House Survival Guide

Connect Cleaning Newcastle School Holiday Survival Guide

Connect Cleaning Newcastle School Holiday Survival GuideThe autumn school holidays are here and whether parents are excited or not, most will agree it’s challenging work keeping the house spotless when the little people are home every day. The weather lately is still quite good, so the holidays will probably still include plenty of outdoor fun, but on the days when it’s too cool or windy outside, or it’s raining, you can still end up with some serious mess.

Children are more than capable of helping with a variety of household tasks and most have chores each week regardless of school being in session or on holidays. If you’re struggling with the state of your house come holiday time, however, and unsure of what your children will be competent of at their age, here’s some information that should help you out. The Raising Children website (http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/tasks_and_chores_involving_kids.html) has an extensive list of age appropriate jobs for children, including:

2-3 year-olds

  • Pick up toys and books.
  • Put clothes on clothes hooks.
  • Set placemats on the dinner table.

4-5 year-olds

  • Set the table for meals.
  • Help with preparing meals, under supervision.
  • Help put clean clothes into piles for each family member, ready to fold.
  • Help with grocery shopping and putting away groceries.
  • Hand you wet clothes to be hung out to dry.

6-8 year-olds

  • Help with the grounds by watering the garden
  • Water indoor plants.
  • Take care of food and clean water for pets.
  • Help carry garden refuse, under supervision.
  • Clean bathroom sink.
  • Wipe down kitchen benches.
  • Help wash and hang out clothes.
  • Help fold dry washing.
  • Mop floors.
  • Put away crockery and cutlery.
  • Do some dusting.
  • Take out rubbish.
  • Help with meal preparation and serving, under supervision.

Research has shown that the benefits of having children help around the home extend far beyond teaching them how to be good cleaners. Children learn many life skills, develop a sense of belonging, ownership and feel they are competent and responsible. Motivation may be hard at first, but if presented with age appropriate tasks and a clear explanation of the expectations involved, children will learn to appreciate being part of the running of the household and even start to see it as their moment to be a bit of a ‘grown up.’ Make sure you always follow up with praise and focus on the positive feedback.

If your house could use the help of a professional cleaner, or it looks like it’s time for the carpets to have a deep clean, these aren’t jobs for kids, give Connect Cleaning Group a call today to discuss your needs on 4966 1984.