"Special" Cleaning

Norwex sells really cool non-chemical, non-toxic, water only rags that do an amazing cleaning job. No, I don't work for them. I'm just a fan. He would probably love all their stuff and you could let him use it as often as he wants. :) Wish that was my kid!!

When I was the manager of two food kiosks in a mall, we had a LOT of young resentful high school workers who worked only for Summers or for holiday $$ or for prom, etc.. so their enthusiasm just wasn't there. This is what I did, and it not only worked, but several other food stations picked up on it. My teens really liked it. This may help with keeping it enjoyable ever changing and not turn mundane and then into "work".

I laminated different job titles on paper and put them into a container and everyone would pull a slip out. It was fun because they never knew what they would get and if they really didn't like it, they would switch w/ someone. That was fine, as all the jobs got done! ;) Some of the slips were: clean drains, clean filters, sweep/mop dining area, refill condiments, etc...

For your little helper, maybe laminate some that are actually harder than others and some that are just silly fun. Dust bookshelf and entertainment center, empty bathroom garbage, check mail, set table, make up bed, clean counter-tops, etc... Then, he can reach in and each slip is a big surprise! Maybe you can make some that are not exactly work, like "rub mommy's feet" or "start the bath for ____" or "pick flowers for the table vase" so that they don't all include labor, but connecting with others or beautifying his space w/ the concept of helping and cleaning. Also, they sell kid size tools like vacuums, brooms, mops, shovels, rakes, etc... perhaps implement those into the "chores"? OH, also, if there's not too much in his ability range to do on a day, maybe you can "accidentally" spill some dry cheerios or make some other little task appear to do so he doesn't get stagnant if there is a slow day??

Dunno if this sounds good, but hey... thought I'd suggest it.

Enjoy it while it lasts!! :)

L.

Laura M, that is a great idea! I'm going to use that with my son.

In the book "All of a Kind Family" by Sydney Taylor, Mama hides buttons around the room where the girls are to dust each week. If the duster has done a good job, all of the buttons will be collected. Sometimes, a penny is hidden as well as a reward. I really love the idea of hiding buttons sometimes to keep it fun.

Oh, yes. I have two girls, and they don't particularly get along. So I will tell one of them, "Shhhh... don't tell your sister, but if you want, you can empty out the dishwasher!" and then I go tell the other one, "Shhhh.... don't tell your sister, but you can use the Clorox wipes to clean the bathroom counter!" And then they realize that the other got to do something "special" and start to whine about it, and I'll say, "Well, mayyyyyybe next time, if you're really, really good, YOU can use the Clorox wipes. (empty the dishwasher, etc)" For whatever reason, sorting the laundry is a coveted task around here right now. Yeah, I can't understand it either. Long may it last!

haha! I totally remember when my son would do this. I think he was about 3 and 4 when he looooooved to scrub the floor and wash the windows. It's like pulling teeth now to get him to help. He acts like I'm asking him to do something soooo hard for the littlest thing (he's 10 now) And now my daughter is 4. She LOVES helping me clean. Maybe this one won't grow out of it. I can wish!

We turn Saturday morning cleaning into a fun, family thing. We call it a "Cleaning Party". I turn on music that both the kids (ages 4 and 6) like, we have the list of things that they need to accomplish, and we go to it. I will spray the cleaner, and both get to it with dish rags or wash rags. My son will clean the toilet, and actually that has become one of his special chores. Both like to sweep and vacuum, so we alternate the Saturdays for that. We make it a game as to who can accomplish their tasks the best (not the fastest - huge mistake). Then, once we are done, we do something fun. I figure I need to harness their enthusiasm as long as I can.

Several of my friends thought it was so funny a year ago when I posted a picture of my daughter in her Belle princess costume wiping down kitchen cabinets, and they commented that my kids were "strange" for wanting to have a cleaning party, and some even said that I was misleading my kids about what a "party" really was. But now, a year later, they are jealous because mine will still clean up around the house without fuss, while theirs won't lift a finger. Like I said, harnessing that excitement as long as I can!

My youngest used to love to use the vacuum and broom when he was like 2 until about 4. Then after that, it was over. I used to buy him cleaning toys, and until 4 he loved them. Now I can't get him to pick any thing up. Enjoy it while it last, I highly doubt it will continue.

Get non toxic toilet cleaner--stat!!!

If you think it's going to end you should really have him do a good deep cleaning now. haha!!

My DD's kidnergarten teacher has small dustpans with little hand brooms and the kids practically race for them any time something is spilled.
I also tell her I need her help matching socks because my big hands don't fit in all the little socks. She actually found a lost locket in the toe of one of her old baby socks-that I probably would have thrown out.
You could always take a cue from don't tell mo. The baby sitters dead-and put window cleaner in a squirt gun-then attach other cleaning tools and make him a cleaning belt. If your really crafty you could mane him a cleaning apron or cape! (or just make it out of fleece or felt if you don't want to sew).