I think it’s only fair if I start out this post by telling you, my tricks/tips to get the kids to help cleaning aren’t really tips, per say. See the thing is, my kids really love to help “clean” they ask all the time if they can “clean”, it’s the tidying up after themselves that feels like pulling teeth. It makes a ton of sense (sarcasm font), but mostly none at all. So because it’s really great (for everyone) and important for the kids to take part, learn responsibility and lend a hand in both the cleaning and tidying here are a few things we do to make getting the little people to help tidy and clean go a little more smoothly.

THEIR VERY OWN SPRAY BOTTLE AND PAPER TOWEL ROLL. There seems to be something magical about using a spray bottle and then wiping away the spray with a paper towel, that they got to tear off themselves I might add. Something about having their very own roll and very own bottle, that adds to the fun. We recently started using Viva® Vantage paper towels and the fact that they stretch and flex makes cleaning a little easier and less wasteful (since they last longer, absorb more and don’t fall apart quickly) helps the kids go through way less than the normal (and boring) non stretch paper towels.

We have a spray bottle that we bought at the dollar store (aka kid heaven) and I either use Mrs. Meyers or Method cleaner in the bottle or a mixture of white vinegar and water – safe cleaners for the kids to use and safe for all surfaces in our home (because you know they are spraying every single surface). I also, usually give them a paper towel roll that is close to the end and tell them that’s all they get – then they make them stretch (no pun intended, since this is a post sponsored by those cool stretch and flex paper towels) longer and we just have less waste all around. They usually take turns spraying and wiping, usually this means they will go over the same spot at least twice. Having the freedom to do what they want, with something that they feel is just theirs – makes this fun, plus the satisfaction of spraying and wiping there is just something about it.

WHO WANTS TO VACUUM?! The Vacuum is their second most favorite thing to do (after spraying and wiping, is that what you would call it?) and it’s always a fight for who get’s to suck up dirt first. I usually say “who ever puts all their toys away first, gets the vacuum first” basically we make it a game – it’s win win win (they get two wins and I get one). Or you can lead with the old, “hurry up pick up your toys before the vacuum sucks it up!” everyone will move a little faster, but it’s def not as fun.

DON’T RE-CLEAN. Sometimes it’s hard, because sometimes something needs another wipe or another sweep after they are done. But it’s best for their little confidence levels, if you just tell them how helpful they were and what a great job they did. And go back and fix something later, like when they are sleeping or at school.

SIMPLE TASKS. Don’t  start with an elaborate last like: “Clean the living room” or “clean your room”. Break it down, “dust this shelf” (oh dusting, my kids would also much rather use a spray bottle and a paper towel or two then an actual dusting cloth), “make the windows all shiny” or “put all the cars in this box”. As I type this, I laughed because the handing out of small tasks is always my goal – but in the heat of “come on let’s tidy” moments, I often fall short. So it’s a good reminder for me too!

SOME SAY REWARD, I SAY CLEANING IS THE REWARD. I know, stop being so cheesy! But really I’m not saying, “having a clean house is the true reward” this isn’t ‘Little House on the Prairie’. What I mean is, my kids actually like to clean, they beg to be the one to hold that roll of paper towels or spray bottle, so I go with it and don’t add something on top of it to screw with that magical logic. When the day comes that they realize cleaning isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, I will probably offer them a reward for hard work, but not before that. I need to keep some tricks in my sleeve for down the road.

Do you have any tips for getting the little ones to help out? Are there any specific tasks that your kids like to help the most with? If you would like to try these new stretch paper towels by Viva®, check here for a coupon – because what’s almost as awesome as having the kids help with cleaning, saving money!

This is a sponsored post brought to you by Viva® Vantage*, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own. This was a post I had in the works, but thankfully Viva® Vantage* for making it that much more fun. For more information please visit www.vivatowels.ca Viva’s unique STRETCH allows it to flex and conform to take on ANY MESS, beyond just the spill.  And as always, thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that make this blog possible.