Housekeeping – You need to keep it Clean
Around a year ago or so, when daughter was playing with her friend at home, I was traumatized seeing all the mess. Toys, games, books, crayons, play doh and piles of puzzle blocks all were scattered in the room. Unable to control the situation and mess, I left room without reacting or saying a word. After gulping few glasses of water and some deep breathing exercises, I returned and said – “clean the room once done”.
Daughter came running back to ask how are they supposed to clean room? ‘The way you messed it up, simple!’ I said with a smile. She was lost or probably thought her mom is gone crazy, they cleaned up nevertheless and I was happy as this is the beginning.
She narrated the incident animatedly to her Dad when he returned from office. He quizzically asked me, what’s the big deal with clean up? “Your mess, you clean it up” it’s the new rule of house, I replied with a wink. Daughter-dad both had reservations with my new dictate, but slowly better sense took its course and I am saved from picking after bits and pieces all the time. Its necessary to teach children cleanup, as this makes them self-dependent and organized.
I remember my granny often reminded me to cleanup my room, study, cupboards all by myself. Back then I thought she hates me as I am a girl ? but glad she taught me to organize. Today, when I tell daughter to pick used dishes and drop for washing, her granny’s nod approves – a job done well.
What is the need to Teach Children Cleanup? Learn here –
Being organized is a good habit, there is no harm in adopting one. Cluttered and messy area pulls negative energy, neat and tidy place looks and feel happy. Teach kids the habit of cleaning-up their own stuff and mess. This will also prepare them for future challenges.
Share home duties – mothers are no super-beings and they do get tired. Sharing clean-up duties help everyone to take part in home chores. This strengthens the relations between mother-child and make them value each other.
Make them responsible –
last time when daughter had a play-day with friends the room looked less messy and more organized. She would pick one thing at a time, put it back and then take another. This is good, she is take charge of cleaning up and being responsible. Applying logic in practical situations.
They love helping you out – trust me, kids love helping elders. She likes to help me with petty things when I expect the least. Like keeping my daily diary neatly tucked near laptop. Checking washing cycle’s time (though it has a buzzer, but not harm in acting naïve), telling me what time it is or helping me bring plates and glasses for family meals.
Statutory Warning – Do not raise the bar of expectations, these helps are like ‘un-seasonal rainfall’.
Housekeeping activities also teach kids to stay clean and tidy personally. Kids are vulnerable to catch infections and deadly flu more frequently than adults, due to their immunity structure. Better personal hygiene habits and clean-tidy place reduce the chances of catching flu frequently.
All good habits start from home; there is no harm is asking for help from kids and guiding them to clean-up themselves.
This post is written for #BlogchatterA2Z series by Blogchatter, and my theme for this challenge is Gleeful Parenting. Previously from the series –
F for Father and Child Relationship.
G for Guilt free parenting.
18 Comments
Yes, children love being asked and included by elders. A great way to teach them thus. Another great post, Dipika.
Thank you so much Mayuri for motivating me with your feedback.
I never asked help from A. pampered him for being the only child. So, its getting difficult to get any help from the boys. But sometimes I feel not to ask them as both are busy with their daily routine. Nice post Dipika. H is for Hormonal rage Hakuna Matata. syncwithdeep.wordpress.com/2018/04/09/h-hormonal-rage-to-hakuna-matata-blogchattera2z-atozchallenge-atoz/
Thanks Deepa for reading and your time. Will visit yours sure.
I so agree with your diktat. You mess up, you clean up. But my heart still misses a beat when I see the messed up room. Though my daughter tries her best to clean it up, my ocd of all things perfect pushes me to clean things again after she is done.
Thanks Anshu, hahah OCD yes I had that ‘hormone’ couple of years back but with time and fading energy it has taken a backseat.
Glad you liked the post.
Its important to make them responsible. With responsibility comes maturity and a sense of belonging. I also make sure to teach my girls to at least dio their chores themselves.
Yes, Deepa that’s crucial to be self sufficient in life.
Thanks for readaing.
Loved the statutory warning Dipika! Its so must to have in mind all the while.
Cleaning up helps children to own up and also makes them orderly. Small steps today to ensure the correct future ahead!
That’s so true Anagha, small steps today and better and self sufficient tomorrow.
Thank You for reading.
Dipika I wish to tell you something gal, I am practising all your recommendations at home these days, one I find them extremely worthy, two kiddo’s two and a half month’s summer vacations owing to change of school. So, a heartfelt thank you ?.
Aww… Roma my dear friend you made my day. This is the best feedback I have received and thank you so much.
I am in love with your series of extraordinaire life myself.
Thank You
Maintaining cleanliness is a must and we sure need to teach them to keep things in order. You nailed it while you mentioned the warning there. I sure want my kids to be independent and responsible with their own chores in the house. Thanks for this article Dipika
‘un-seasonal rainfall’… haha.. so true. Children need to understand the importance of cleanliness.
This is very important in order to instil discipline and orderliness in the child’s life.
Great post.
Do drop by mine.
Cheers,
CRD
Thanks CDR,
Glad you like it.
Yes sure will read yours in a while.
I totally agree with you on this. its important to inculcate the habit to clean up after themselves since childhood, which comes in handy once they leave the nest.
When my Mom did this to me I had the same feelings that she hated me and used to feel so bugged with her but realize the importance of it. Small steps like these would make a lot of difference in overall development of a child.