As I continue to mull over the creation of a more regular and reliable daily routine, I’ve been thinking of adding a regular "job time" (or maybe several) where we all work on family-related chores at a specific time. I’ve been trying to think of ways to get my girls involved, particularly in cleaning. Though I haven’t studied it much, I know the Montessori philosophy builds on this, with the idea of having child-sized versions of adult tools, and starting them on doing real jobs alongside the adults from an early age.
One thing that works well around here is "wall washing" (or really anything washing– highchairs, tables, the dishwasher, fridge and garbage can are popular things to wash as well). Basically, I find a wall or item that needs some TLC (the one near our dining table is the worst) and give each kid a rag, sponge, or sprayer, and they go to town. They do remarkably well! We trade the tools around so each person gets a chance with a different thing, and I rinse and add some soap to the rags or sponges occasionally. I promise, they love doing this and I am not forcing anyone to participate!
Obviously this needs to happen in a place that can handle some abuse (not wallpaper or somewhere with a special or delicate finish, etc), and you have to be okay with some water and soap getting on the floor. I tend to come by and mop things up if needed, and to catch any spots they’ve missed. This kept them busy for at least 30 minutes, and they eventually moved on to the back door and my cabinets, as well!
A win/win solution — kids happy and busy, and a cleaner house too!
This post is of this weeks 30 minute mom blog challenge, hosted by Steadymom.
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Great idea~ I found you through Filth Wizardy and I am now following you! Stop by sometime!
Your pictures bring back happy, happy memories of my little girls pretending they were Cinderella and the step-mother – mopping the floor by hand. Those curls are yummy!
Your twins aren’t much older than my daughter. I haven’t thought of getting her to help out chore-wise…although she does do a pretty good job helping me put the toys away. The kids look so into their work that I just might give this a try.
This is too funny. After dinner, I usually give my kids some wipes/rags and they clean up too. Most of the time, all three focus on one area, but it is now one clean area!
Colin also really enjoys using the dust pan and small brush, so we bought one for each of the kids. They are getting better at actually cleaning up the floor too. It takes some time though to teach them not to dump the dust pan out before they get to the garbage can! 
We are really focussing on my “littles” getting involved in the chores here, too. They love it at that young age!
When you mentioned the Montessori thing, I realized that working in one must have been where I got the idea to get them some little brooms etc.
My boys love love love to clean. They know where the rags are because they’re in charge of cleaning up their own messes (spilled liquids primarily). They also love to clean the car (with soapy water and sponges) and do the dishes. Anything with a spray bottle is a plus too, though I’m leary of that right now b/c many other dangerous things come in spray bottles too. I need to find Mr. yuck stickers. Growing up my mom let us clean the wood cabinets with 409. I did it all the time. So much it rubbed off the finish. Gosh, my mom was laid back!
That is adorable! Tonight my 3-y-o, who has Down syndrome and thus is still a baby in many ways, managed to find a plastic scratcher, and she cleaned windows, chairs, even the carpet on the stairs. Very cute. Now…if I can just get her to LEAVE THE BOOKS ON THE SHELF…
Mine also LOVE washing. They will wash anything, and it keeps them busy for awhile.
great idea! Think I may try it tomorrow!