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Alright, it's almost a fact, but most children do not like cleaning, or doing chores. You probably don't either. But it is that they don't like cleaning, or the negative effect it gives off?



  1. 1
    Don't make cleaning a negative. When it is chore time, don't keep yelling at your kids and telling them they need to clean. Then, they associate yelling with cleaning. If you enforce cleaning as a positive at a young age, they will more likely like it when they get older.
  2. 2
    Use a motivator to encourage your child to clean. Make a big chart in their room called the MCP which stands for My Cleaning Plan. Write all of your child's chores on this board.
    • Depending on their ages this may vary.
      • For ages 2-7, have simple chores such as picking up toys, or helping you make their bed. Understand that younger children may need help doing their chores, but encourage them to learn so they can eventually do this all by themselves!
      • For middle children, ages 8 and older, try having them do this almost all by themselves. They should be able to sweep the floor, help do the dishes, and any other appropriate chores. You can make two separate columns that say my room and house chores. They should always pick up in their room. However the number one rule is to pick up after yourself! Put this at the top of your board, and strongly enforce this.
  3. 3
    In the kitchen, hang up a board that says FCP and mark down all of your children's names. Every evening around 7:00 check to see if their chores are done, if so give them a sticker. At the end of the week count up how many stickers they have and give them a dollar for each sticker. If one child sees their sibling earning more money they will work harder next time. Your kids may even ask you to do extra chores for extra stickers.
  4. 4
    Make a competition, see who can finish or get the neatest room in the fastest time!
  5. 5
    Hide a quarter in a room, have them clean the room to find the quarter check the room and see if they finished it.
  6. 6
    Kindly remind your child throughout the day to do their chores. Only do this 1-2 times. Give them the freedom to do their chores whenever they choose that is within your time limit. Do not force your child to do their chores, wait until the end of the day to check. If the chores are not done, you could put them to bed right then. The next evening if they continue not to do their chores you could ground them or take valuable things (such as electronics) or privileges (like sleepovers) away from them.
  7. 7
    Praise your child for the work they have done. No matter how old, they will like to hear that you are proud of them. Praise will help your child understand that cleaning makes you happy. Maybe it's not that your kids don't want to live in a clean environment, maybe they just need the rules laid out for them, independence, reinforcement, encouragement, praise, and motivation.


  • If your child thinks they are too old for the board have them keep a journal. For younger kids the board is more effective.
  • Have your children decorate the MCP, and FCP. It will make the whole idea more fun!


  • Do not get frustrated if your child does not do their chores right away. Make a set time in the evening, and wait until then to check.
  • Don't give your child too much freedom. you are the parent, and you can make them clean. As soon as you take away the T.V. they will be dusting in no time!

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Categories: Cleaning Motivation | Raising Children


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