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Some tips from a pro on getting kids to help with housework
If kids' clutter makes you shudder ; try some new approaches
Srtx ui to the Times-Juvenai.
Tom Schrader, founder of
Cottage Care. Inc., a nationwide
residential cleaning service,
thinks he's seen enough in his
20 years in the business to offer
some tips about getting kids to
help with housework.
"We’ve spoken so often to
our customers about what
works for them." says Schrader
"And over the years, we’ve
picked up some tips from them
about how they finally got the
kids to help at home Now,
we'll often come in and give a
homeowner a great cleaning
job. then let them know what
we've learned from other cus
tomers about keeping the place
nice until the next visit." Here
are some of those tips:
1) Mats Matter:
You'd be amazed how much
dm a sturdy nylon mat will
catch. Put one at each doorway
They are reasonably priced and
can be found at any of the major
discount superstores in the
housewares department Spend
a little extra on a larger one to
cover the area where kids enter
the most. Teach them immedi
ately that the first step in the
house after school is where the
dirt comes off., with their
shoes.
2) Delegating Will Hurt
You More Than It Hurts
Them:
One of the main reasons
Mom doesn’t get enough help
around the house, is because
she wants things done her way.
But. kids really like to help, and
it's good for their self-esteem.
Assign chores around age
group. Let each child know that
two or three jobs around the
house belong to them. Things
may not be done perfectly, but
everyone still wins.
3) Ages 8-12:
These kids are ready for
some real chores The last per
son in the shower ir. the morn
ing (or in the bath in the
evening) should be handed a
spray om bath cleaner Steam
helps loosen dirt, so once
thev re finished show them
how to spray tile in the shower.
After they’ve brushed their
teeth, they can quickly go over
tne tile with a sponge kept
under the sink.
4) Ages 3-8:
Even at this tender age, it’s
not too early to develop routine
and habits that could last a life
time. When a child is through
playing in a certain area, part of
his/her routine should be to put
his/her toys away Make a game
out of it It Dad is handy, have
him build some benches for the
“rec” room that open to hold
toys. Otherwise, large rubber
bins are available at discount
superstores in a variety of col
ors and models Label them
with stickers that are lively and
that can show a child what goes
where.
5) Does Clutter Make You
Shudder?
Clutter is inevitable when
kids are school age They come
home with some ot the most
amazing items Rather than
have feelings hurt by tossing
out their precious schoolwork.
go to your same discount super
store and buy under the bed
storage boxes Let the kids
decide what schoolwork they d
like to save - special projects
they are proud ot - and have
them save them in these boxes
6) My Child, The Artist:
When kids bring home art
work. display the really good
pieces on the refrigerator with
colorful magnets Decide what
the lifespan will be tor each
picture - then if it should be
saved in a box or not When the
little darlings use your walls tor
a canvas, use concentrated dish
soap.
7) Make Family Time
Chore Time:
Designate a time each week
where the family can sit togeth
er in the kitchen or den and visit
about what's happening at
school, work, etc Each person
can be handling a task during
the discussion such as polishing
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8) Don’t (Jet Shocked:
A portable hair dryer really
comes m handy for quick dust
jobs like cobwebs Teach the
older kids these shortcuts, but
remember to also teach them
about safety with electric
devices. This is a good time for
them to learn these facts.
9| Hello Mr. Dustbuster
Another great appliance that
older kids can handle With kids
comes crumbs Let them know
right away that you do not want
to find any evidence ot their
snacks around w hen
you come home from work
Have large garbage cans lined
with bags accessible in the
kitchen l .cave an extra bag at
the bottom so they can quickly
replace it when garbage is full
10) But Mom • But
Nothing:
U-t the kids know that their
areas, bedrooms and bathrooms
are their responsibility Buy
each one their own set ot clean
ing fools, and let them know
they.are to use them before any
play time after school Go to an
office supply store and pur
chase desk trays and pencil
holders to reduce clutter in their
rooms The trays can be marked
“homework to be done" and
"completed homework" to
avoid morning panic over lost
papers
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HOME MANAGEMENT - Kids can help too! It s all
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