Whether your kids our young or are older, it’s never too early or late to start a cleaning regiment. Chores are a vital part of any functioning family and requiring chores for kids is a great way to share in the various duties. Plus, through the process you will teach your children valuable lessons.

If you are just getting started with giving cleaning assignments, read on for some helpful tips.

1. Get Organized

Before getting started take inventory of your home. What needs to be cleaned and how often? Which age range would be appropriate for specific tasks? Once you know this, it will make the process much easier.

2. Put It In Writing

Whether you use a chore chart or have a chore list written on 3x5 cards, writing out the chores is a must. In the beginning you may even list out the required steps for completing a particular task or what you’ll look for to ensure a job well done. Even if show them how to do a task, having it in writing is a good idea; especially if you will be rotating responsibilities.

3. Set Time Limits

Expectations are crucial to kids. They need to know your expectations and what’s expected out of them. That is why setting a time limit is important. Whether your kids will be required to clean every day or once a week, set parameters as to long how it should take them and when you expect a chore to be completed. If you want bathrooms cleaned before company arrives, you need to have this task planned well in advance!

4. Be In Action

While you need to be available for your kids during the cleaning process, it is also important to show them that you clean as well. Teaching by example is one of the most valuable lessons. Whether you have your own chores or choose to help everyone out during cleaning time, be sure that you’re working together to accomplish the cleaning goal.

5. Be Creative

Let’s face it, cleaning isn’t fun. It’s something that most moms dread and avoid; therefore, you can imagine how your kids feel. To help in the process, learn to be creative. Think of unique and fun ways to make the cleaning process easier and the tasks won’t seem so tedious! Here are a few simple ideas:

• Have a reward system
• Purchase individual cleaning caddies with cleaning supplies
• Buy fun tools like feather dusters or fan dusters
• Have special days off, “no cleaning” on birthdays
• Wear special cleaning outfits
• Let them do what they enjoy!

Anything will do as long as it works for your family.

Although no one enjoys doing chores, they still have to be done. By requiring your children to participate in chores you’re teaching them valuable lessons that they will carry with them the rest of their lives. And if you do a good job, one day they will teach others the skills you taught them long ago! Thanks, mom!!

Reprinted with permission.