6 tips for helping your little ones keep their spaces tidy

Getting children to clean up after themselves can be a struggle for any parent. With so many distractions and activities competing for their attention, it can be tough to get them excited about tidying up. But keeping a tidy home is essential, not only for your own sanity but also for your children's wellbeing.

A cluttered and messy environment can create stress and anxiety, while a clean and organised space can promote a sense of calm and order.

Fortunately, there are plenty of fun and creative ways to get your children excited about tidying up. Here are a few ideas to try:

Give them choices

Let your little one choose which chores they want to do. This will make them more likely to want to help out 

Make it into a game

Kids love games, so why not turn cleaning into a fun activity? You can create a scavenger hunt where they have to find items that need to be put away, or turn cleaning into a race to see who can tidy up their area the fastest. Use bright colours and silly voices to make tidying up more enjoyable! Or, play I-spy and have your child find items in different colours, shapes, or sizes.

Use a chore chart

A chore chart is an excellent way to motivate children to clean up after themselves. You can create a chart with different tasks that need to be done, such as making the bed, putting away toys, and picking up dirty clothes. You can then assign each task to a different day of the week and reward your children with stickers or points for completing them.

Turn up the music

Music can be a great motivator when it comes to cleaning. Create a playlist of your children's favorite songs and turn up the volume while they tidy up. You can even turn cleaning into a dance party, where they have to dance while they clean.

Use colourful storage solutions

Children are more likely to put things away if they have a designated place for them. Use colourful storage solutions like baskets, bins, and shelves to create a fun and organised space. You can even let your children help choose the storage solutions to make them feel more invested in the process.

Set a good example

Children learn by example, so make sure you're setting a good one when it comes to cleaning. If they see you tidying up after yourself and taking care of your belongings, they'll be more likely to do the same.

Remember to praise their efforts!

When your little one does help out, be sure to praise them for their efforts. This will help them feel good about themselves and make them more likely to want to help out in the future.