While most parents want their children to learn how to clean, it can seem like work to teach a preschooler to pitch in and help with housecleaning chores. Sometimes, it is simply easier for a parent to do all the cleaning and tidying herself. But, the truth is, most preschool-aged children are very eager to help.
Preschool-aged children don’t always have the skills to be successful at cleaning tasks. The parents sometimes have to re-do what was cleaned by a child of this age. However, it’s important to help a preschooler learn how to clean in order to have a big kid who is willing and able to help out around the house.
Here are several chores a typical preschool-aged child can do:
The Preschool Child can Vacuum and Dust
Most preschoolers aren’t big enough to push around a full-sized vacuum cleaner. However, they are capable of handling a small, hand-held vacuum. They can also use the hose attachment on a larger vacuum cleaner.
Three and four-year-old children like to watch things disappear as they vacuum up crumbs and other debris. Remove the couch cushions and let a young child vacuum up the mess. Not only will it keep him busy for a bit, it will allow the parent more time to focus on other tasks.
Realistically, a preschool-aged child won’t do a fantastic job dusting. But, they are likely to enjoy dusting with a feather duster. Show them how to dust shelves, end tables and bookcases and they will be happy to spend a few minutes working alongside a parent while she dusts and polishes furniture.
The Preschool Child can Tidy Her Bedroom
The typical preschool-aged child can make a huge mess in her bedroom. It doesn’t take long for all the toys to be pulled out and scattered all over the floor and bed. While a bedroom mess is overwhelming for a young child to clean on her own, she can accomplish some of the cleaning tasks. Create a cleaning checklist with a few simple tasks for a young child. Include specific tasks, like putting all the stuffed animals in a basket. Keep the list short and help her check things off as they are completed. Work alongside her to finish the room-cleaning tasks that are too difficult for her.
Get a preschool-aged child involved in the cleaning process early. A young child will start to develop cleaning and tidying habits and will learn how to clean. As the child ages, increase the amount and difficulty of the tasks, but remember to keep all cleaning task age-appropriate.
Barb Hacker - Barb is a busy mom of three boys and a freelance writer. She is an avid reader who enjoys reading about history, parenting and gardening. ...
