Spring Cleaning With Kids

Spring Cleaning With Kids. The secret to actually getting them to help? A fun game plan that starts with - well, a game.

So, to increase the odds of cleaning success in your home, two of my favorite cleaning games (one you can play with your younger kids, the second with the older ones) are described below.

If helping out is a new concept in your home, you'll definitely want to take the fun approach.

Below I've broken down chores so that they're age-appropriate for kids.

1 Seasonal Chores for Kids Under Age Two.

* Pick up outside toys.

2 Seasonal Chores for Kids Ages 3 to 5.

Previous chores plus:

* Put away outside toys and games and all their pieces in the proper boxes or bins

* Water plants.

3 Seasonal Chores for Kids Ages 6 to 9.

Previous chores plus:

* Take indoor plants outside for a gentle washing

* Rake leaves

* Help with planting

* Sweep the patio and porches

* Wipe patio tables and chairs

* Easy yard work such as weeding

* Help wash the car.

* Fish surface litter out of the pool (with a grown-up's supervision)

* Help test the pool or hot tub water

4 Seasonal Chores for Kids Ages 10 to 13.

Previous chores plus:

* Plant plants and bulbs

* Remove bugs from plants

* Mulch plants

* Polish silver

5 Seasonal Chores for Kids Ages 14 to 17.

Previous chores plus:

* Wash exterior windows

* Mow lawn

* Yard work such as pruning with small shears

* Clean the garage Check the pool or hot tub filter

* Maintain the compost pile

* Clean closets and drawers; put away seasonal clothing

* Turn mattresses

* Vacuum drapes

* Clean the fireplace and tools.

6 We've Got Games.

To get the family spring cleaning party started:

Grimy to Glamorous

When it's time for a spring cleaning session, have the family don sweats and labor the day away dragging rags and pails.

In the evening, the family puts on their "night-out" best and heads out to dinner and a movie, something everyone enjoys together. Looking forward to a magical family outing makes even the longest list of chores palatable, especially when they're done together.

Bop While You Mop

Turn on your favorite tunes while you clean. Watch your kids howl as you sing along. You get the picture - a smiling group making short work of housework.

Fill the house with positive energy, not grumbling. We rotate the DJ spinning duties in our home to keep the peace. And we judge the results (say, a floor) not the mopper (the child), and everyone pitches in to make it a winner.