Teaching preschoolers to clean up is one of the best ways to keep your sanity as a mom
After they’ve actually learned how to clean up
I was standing in the kitchen when suddenly I heard it….
The crash that could only be the toy bucket dumping out
That’s one of the sounds that I dread hearing every day
I tried to buy a little heavier Toy Box so it would be harder but….
They still find a way to dump out all the toys
So the only logical thing to do was to really focus on teaching my kids to clean up
Why Teaching Preschoolers To Clean Up Is Important
Aside from the obvious of the being less work on you every day,
Teaching preschoolers the cleanup is also important for them
Cleaning up after yourself is one of the first responsibilities that kids get
Learning how to take care of responsibilities it’s a very vital part of being a functioning adult
The sooner that kids can get learn age-appropriate responsibilities, the more set up for Success they will be in the future
While kids are learning how to clean up, it will definitely be easier for you just to do it yourself
But that’s just a short-term solution
Learning to clean up toys is the first step to getting chores done later in life
You will not always be there to clean up after them and you don’t want them to depend on you forever
The goal is to raise them to be self-sufficient adults that can take on the world
When teaching preschoolers to clean up…
We are giving them a sense of discipline, practical skills, a sense of responsibility, and pride in their actions
These qualities will be very useful when they are older
And may make the teenage years a little easier for everyone
When children grow up understanding that they are responsible for their environment…
They start building an amazing foundation for many areas of their life
At What Age Should a Child Clean Up After Themselves?
It is believed that most children are capable of cleaning up after themselves by 18 months,
But really it just depends on the child and how much you have worked with them on their skills
Kids don’t just naturally know how to clean up
Teaching preschoolers to clean up is really just teaching them a new set of skills
Those skills start simple and easy…
Like putting the toys back in the toy box
Or putting dishes into the sink
And the more your preschooler practices, The better they will get
And the more responsibility, they can start to receive more
It’s important to remember to build a positive Foundation
Remember that you have been learning and practicing this for many many years
And it is brand new for them
What Do Toddlers Learn From Cleaning Up?
There was actually quite a few things that preschoolers and toddlers learn when they learn to clean up
They can learn:
- Mindfulness
- Task management
- Planning
- Cleanliness
- Safety
- Organization
- Appreciation of work
- To value their home
- To value order
- Natural consequences
They will never learn to appreciate the work that is put into cleaning if they don’t do it themselves.
Having kids clean up after themselves can lower the initial mess too because they know that they will be the ones cleaning it up
How Do You Encourage Your Toddler To Clean Up?
That all sounds amazing… BUT
Have your ever tired to make a toddler clean up when they don’t want to??
Many times when a child doesn’t want to clean, there is a reason
Maybe they don’t want to stop playing
Or they don’t understand the direction words yet
Feeling overwhelmed is normal for all ages
When you know the root cause of the issue, resolving it becomes easier.
If they don’t want to stop playing, think about why they need to clean up
If it is just a mess then tell them that they can pull out the toy that they want again, but the rest of the room need to be put away
If they are overwhelmed, you can push all the toys into a pile or make it a game.
I feel overwhelmed when a mess is scattered all over the place too
Instead of just saying “clean up”…
Start with one section at a time and give them options
Ask them if they want to put the cars away first or the books
Either way, they are cleaning
But it gives them a sense of control over their life
Break down tasks into smaller tasks
Kids are new at cleaning and can get overwhelmed easily
Overwhelmed people do nothing!
Another important thing to remember when teaching preschoolers to clean up is to make it easy
Make sure their toy box is kid friendly
And you can make it fun with clean up songs!
Songs are a powerful way to learn almost anything
What If Your Child Refuses To Clean Up?
There will come a time where your child will still refuse to clean up
Teaching preschoolers to clean up is not a linear process.
One day might be perfect and the next is a disaster
The first thing that needs to be done is defining expectations
If you expect your preschooler to clean their room
Make sure that a “clean room’” is clearly defined
If it is a really bad day, make cleaning a group effort
The important thing is that you don’t do it for them!
You do not want them to learn that they don’t have to do their job if they throw a fit.
But also avoid matching their emotions.
Stay calm, listen, and find a solution together.
Maybe they can clean the clothes while you clean the cars
Set yourself up for success, not for a battle
9 Clean Up Activity Ideas For Your Preschooler
Using games and activities is the best way when teaching preschoolers to clean up
Or to do anything!
Kids are more likely to do something fun, engaging, and interactive
9 preschool cleaning activities you can try are:
- Cleaning to music
- Dress up to clean
- Racing
- Make a cleaning video together
- Scavenger Hunt
- Cleaning Jenga (write a task on each block)
- Pretend to be cleaning robots
- Play I spy, then put the things away when they find them
- Competition (don’t forget the prizes!
The important part of teaching preschoolers to clean is to:
- make it fun,
- pay attention to the root of a complaint,
- work together instead of dictating, and
- be clear with expectations
Try Not To Make Teaching Preschoolers To Clean Up Stressful
There will be times where teaching preschoolers to clean will be frustrating.
But it is important to make cleaning up fun and exciting
Teach your kids to be proud of their work to clean up
Turn it into a game or a dance party!
Cleaning with toddlers will be slower than cleaning alone
But it can be more fun and will set them up for success in the future!
Let me know in the comments!
What is your favorite way to clean with your kids?
