GETTING KIDS TO PITCH IN WITH CLEANING

Back to school is a busy time for kids and that means extra clutter. Between backpacks, books, and sports equipment, you may feel overrun! The best way to tackle the clutter monster is to get the kids to help keep things under control.

Encouraging children to take ownership of their own possessions is both helpful for you and a useful life skill for them. Create a home for each child to store their own items, whether it’s in the entryway or the garage. Sports equipment may need a shelf or bin. Each child can be assigned a shelf to organize their books and notebooks. Place a wall rack or individual hooks on the wall so each backpack has a place.

Once their personal clutter is in line, you can assign them household tasks to do. Kids who learn to clean early keep up the habit as adults. By giving kids easy, quick jobs, they’ll be more receptive to get the job done. Tasks like vacuuming, sweeping, and taking out the trash are simple for even young children to handle. Laundry is another task that kids can easily help with. Young kids will enjoy sorting by color and moving things from the washer to the dryer. Chore charts with stickers are a fun way to reward progress.

We’re truly a community at Pinewood Estates! If you have any service requests, you can submit them using the online Service Manager at www.pinewoodestatesMHC.com and we’re always happy to hear from residents at 208-522-3807 or Amy@thebostongroup.us.