Spring is here and that means it’s time for spring cleaning! As parents, we want a clean and organized home, but getting the kids involved can be challenging. However, keeping them engaged is possible with these fun spring cleaning activities for kids.
Make Cleaning Fun
The key is to turn chores into games to keep your kids interested and having fun. Here are some ideas to get them excited about cleaning.
Scavenger Hunts
- Hide cleaning items like dusters, sponges, and cleaning spray around the house. Have kids search for the items. The first one to find them wins!
- Create a checklist of areas or items to clean. Let kids check off tasks as they complete them. Add small rewards for filling up the checklist.
Music and Dancing
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Play upbeat music to set a lively mood for cleaning. Let kids have dance breaks when their favorite songs play.
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Assign cleaning tasks to different music genres. Clean slowly with classical music or race to finish before the rock song ends.
Competitions and Races
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Time cleaning tasks and challenge kids to beat their best times.
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Have contests to see who can dust the most shelves, sweep the most crumbs, or scrub the most tiles. Offer recognition with certificates or trophies.
Role Play
- Pretend to be maids or cleaning superheroes. Use costumes and props to get into character.
Age-Appropriate Tasks
Assign tasks based on your child’s age and skill level. Here are ideas for different age groups:
Preschoolers
- Wipe down tables
- Put away toys
- Dust with feather dusters
- Vacuum small rooms
Elementary School Kids
- Organize drawers and closets
- Take out garbage
- Sweep and mop floors
- Help clean windows
Preteens and Teens
- Clean bathrooms
- Change linens
- Vacuum stairs and upholstery
- Wash windows
Make It Visual
Children respond well to visual cues. Try these tips:
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Create a cleaning chart with pictures of tasks. Let kids check off completed jobs.
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Use verbal cues like “clean to the count of 30” as they dust or wipe.
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Draw a line in a room they need to vacuum or mop up to.
Positive Reinforcement
Keeping kids motivated requires lots of praise and incentives. Consider these reward ideas:
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Verbal praise – thank them for cleaning properly
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High fives – when they finish a task
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Stickers and badges – for completing their cleaning chart
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Points or tokens – to go towards prizes
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Special activities – extra tablet time, movie night, play date
Make Cleanup Quick
Lengthy cleaning sessions lose a child’s interest quickly. Follow these tips:
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Set a timer – quick 20 or 30 minute cleaning sessions
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Alternate tasks – switch between cleaning, dancing, or rest breaks
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Team up – work alongside them to help complete jobs faster
Fun Spring Cleaning Party
An exciting idea is to host a spring cleaning party. Here’s how to plan it:
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Choose a theme – superheroes, house makeover, cleaning bootcamp
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Play games – scavenger hunts, cleaning relays, sorting races
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Provide props – capes, cleaning tools, checklists
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Have rewards – points, prizes, certificates
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Serve treats – themed snacks, juice boxes, fun cups and straws
With a little creativity and planning, your kids can have a blast spring cleaning! Turn chores into games, use visuals, offer rewards, take breaks, and make it an exciting party. Getting your children involved will make spring cleaning more fun for the whole family.
