Anyone get DCKs involved in cleaning tasks?

[SilverSabre25]

Like wiping off tables, shelves, sweeping, cleaning windows, etc?

This would have to be with a "safe" cleaner of course (I'm using vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oils). But I'm feeling like it would be a good thing to do teach them, to help with the day to day tasks of keeping house and cleaning up after themselves.

Just not sure what "licensing" or "parents" or "They" would think of it...

[kelsey's kids]

My kids love cleaning. Anytime I am cleaning they love helping

[Jack Sprat]

My kiddos love to help clean. They help vacuum, dust and clean windows. All my families love that they help.

[Unregistered]

Montessori theory

Also called "practical life" in montessori. check out some montessori supply websites for size appropriate tools like brooms and spray bottles that fit small hands. Kids love to help and feel pride in their environment.

[CraftyMom]

Absolutely! The kids love helping and the parents like it as well. I'll hand them all a baby wipe and ask them to help clean, they wipe down everything! I also bought some little dust pans and brooms from the $ store, the kids absolutely love them! We "practice" sweeping up pom poms, then they scatter the pom poms and sweep again, great for hand eye coordination too.

Last spring we had "Spring Cleaning Week", we did lots of kid friendly cleaning, a different task each day. They had a blast!

The kids are great at washing windows too! Of course it needs to be redone after but they don't know that

Kid friendly cleaners of course

[MissAnn]

My kids help with cleaning the table and sometimes vacuuming. Funny story.....one time a kid broke something. I told him he wad to work for me as payment for what he broke. He dusted shelves with a smirk on his face while I took a video. I sent it to his mom, knowing she would get a kick out if it. She showed everyone at her work. He never broke anything again.

[daycarediva]

Absolutely! The kids love helping and the parents like it as well. I'll hand them all a baby wipe and ask them to help clean, they wipe down everything! I also bought some little dust pans and brooms from the $ store, the kids absolutely love them! We "practice" sweeping up pom poms, then they scatter the pom poms and sweep again, great for hand eye coordination too.

Last spring we had "Spring Cleaning Week", we did lots of kid friendly cleaning, a different task each day. They had a blast!

The kids are great at washing windows too! Of course it needs to be redone after but they don't know that

Kid friendly cleaners of course

I love spring cleaning week!

I have the dust pans from the $1 store, they have their own glass cloths they use to wipe down their mirrors (just water and they work great and don't need to be redone). They are required to help clean up after meals, snack and playtime. I also have a small (made for dorm rooms, I think) real working vacuum cleaner that they LOVE to use. They fight over who gets to help daily.

[Heidi]

Yes!

I have 4 & 5 year old sibs that love "chore time". On the days they're here, the 2 year old likes to help, too. On other days, it's a bit more of a challenge for him, but I do give him little jobs and tell him how I appreciate his help. He's such a big boy and such a great helper!

[daycare]

yes. we have a chore chart that changes weekly.

We don't use a cleaner, we only use soap and water spray.


tables
chairs
meal time clean up
librarian- they have to make sure all books are taken care of and in their spots

garage keeper- they take care of everything transportation, cars trains, etc

Zoo Keeper- everything to do with animals, farms, stuffed animals etc

construction manager- takes care of everything blocks/building materials

Chef- cares for everything kitchen

Head of house- Takes care of everything in the dramatic play area

They must get their friends to help them care for these areas. Whoever is in charge of the equipment is the one responsible for those areas for the day.

i don't let them clean up too much other stuff like paints, clay etc. they make a bigger mess most of the time.

[llpa]

I think it's great for them to help they are so proud that you think they are capable. Every Thursday here we clean tables, chairs, chalkboards and large toys like the kid kitchen. I've never had them not enjoy "cleaning day" haha. Practical learning is part of the curriculum. No one has ever questioned me yet. I just act like " of course we are cleaning" ::

[llpa]

Forgot to add.. Just soapy water and a towel to dry. I still disinfect those items too. The kids just don't know I do.

[DaycareMom]

I love spring cleaning week!

I have the dust pans from the $1 store, they have their own glass cloths they use to wipe down their mirrors (just water and they work great and don't need to be redone). They are required to help clean up after meals, snack and playtime. I also have a small (made for dorm rooms, I think) real working vacuum cleaner that they LOVE to use. They fight over who gets to help daily.

Where did you get a working kid size vacuum? I have been wanting one for years!

[CraftyMom]

I also found some Swiffer type dusters at the $ store, the kids think they're the best thing ever!

[daycarediva]

Where did you get a working kid size vacuum? I have been wanting one for years!

I have the old style of this:

http://www.amazon.com/Dirt-Devil-Simpli-Stik-Lightweight-SD20000RED/dp/B002KCO96C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392665454&sr=8-1&keywords=small+vacuum

It is not made for kids, but the handle is adjustable, so even the 2yo can use it without much fuss. It is also super light weight. I got mine at walmart at back to school time YEARS ago for $15. I keep it in the linen closet with my vacuum, so they have to ask to use it and I help plug it in.

[daycarediva]

I have been tempted to get them a mini shop vac, too. I just think my crew would abuse the 'blow' feature.