Clean With Kids

clean, tips for cleaning with kids, cleaning tips, family cleaning tips

Let's get real here. A clean, tidy home usually isn't at the top of - okay, really even on - a kid's list of priorities.

But we grownups know that just because something doesn't make our Top 10 List doesn't mean we can chill out on it altogether.

And since we likely didn't mess up the playroom or smear chocolate on the sofa ourselves (unless of course it was a very good party) then we shouldn't have to tidy up ourselves, either.

So what can we do when the kitchen floor needs a post-playdate splotch removal or the backyard needs a toy round up - and the young culprit is less than eager to pitch in?

It's time to wrest control of the asylum from the inmates. And then proceed to delegate chores to them.

Sure, our moms may have dusted and vacuumed every day (without help from us.) But we don't have to.

It's a brave new world out there, and today's Mom knows the score: The only way to hit a housekeeping home run is to draft a team of family volunteers.

Here are several tried-and-true tips for motivating kids to clean that have worked in my home. Feel free to adjust as needed so they'll work in your home, too.