Spring Cleaning with Kids Under 10 in Edmonton

Springtime in Edmonton brings longer days and the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate your home. Engaging your children under 10 in spring cleaning not only eases your workload but also imparts valuable life skills and fosters a sense of responsibility. Here’s how to make spring cleaning a fun and productive family activity.​

Assign Age-Appropriate Tasks

Tailoring chores to your child's age ensures they can complete tasks successfully and safely:​

• Ages 2-3:

  • Put toys away.​

  • Fill the pet's food dish.​

  • Place clothes in the hamper.​

  • Wipe up spills.​

  • Dust surfaces.​

  • Stack books and magazines.​

• Ages 4-5:

  • Make their bed.​

  • Empty wastebaskets.​

  • Bring in mail or newspaper.​

  • Clear the table.​

  • Pull weeds in the garden.​

  • Use a hand-held vacuum to pick up crumbs.​

  • Water flowers.​

  • Unload utensils from the dishwasher.​

  • Wash plastic dishes at the sink.​

  • Prepare a simple bowl of cereal.​

• Ages 6-7:

  • Sort laundry.​

  • Sweep floors.​

  • Set and clear the table.​

  • Help make and pack lunches.​

  • Weed and rake leaves.​

  • Keep their bedroom tidy.​

• Ages 8-9:

  • Load the dishwasher.​

  • Put away groceries.​

  • Vacuum.​

  • Help make dinner.​

  • Prepare their own snacks.​

  • Wash the table after meals.​

  • Put away their own laundry.​

  • Sew buttons.​

  • Prepare their own breakfast.

  • Peel vegetables.​

  • Cook simple foods, such as toast.​

  • Mop floors.​

  • Take the pet for a walk.​

Introducing chores at a young age helps children develop a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.​

Make Cleaning Fun

Transform chores into enjoyable activities:

• Turn on Music: Create an upbeat playlist to keep energy levels high.​

• Use a Timer: Challenge your child to complete a task before the timer goes off, adding excitement and a sense of accomplishment.​

• Make it a Game: Turn chores into a scavenger hunt or a race to see who can pick up the most items in a set time.​

Incorporating fun elements can make cleaning less of a chore and more of an engaging activity.​

Set Clear Expectations and Rewards

Clearly explain each task and demonstrate how to do it. Offer praise and consider small rewards, like a family outing or extra playtime, to motivate your children. This approach teaches them that hard work leads to positive outcomes.​

Teach Organizational Skills

Use spring cleaning as an opportunity to teach your children about organization:​

• Decluttering: Explain the importance of donating unused items to help others.​

• Sorting: Demonstrate how to group similar items together to make finding things easier.​

• Cleanliness: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a tidy space for safety and comfort.​

Teaching organizational skills early can help children develop good habits that last a lifetime.​

Incorporate Eco-Friendly Practices

Teach your children about environmentally friendly cleaning:​

• Use Natural Cleaners: Opt for safe, homemade solutions, such as vinegar and water, for cleaning surfaces.​

• Recycle: Show them how to sort recyclables properly.​

• Conserve Water: Encourage mindful water use during cleaning tasks.​

By involving your children in spring cleaning, you not only create a cleaner home but also instill in them a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and pride in their contributions. Remember to be patient and make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.