Cleaning is not an intuitive skill. Although, at times I wonder if I was born with some rare Genetic Tiddyness gene! but there are some ways in which parents can begin to teach the value of cleanliness. Although children don’t need any encouragement to spread their toys about or to flick paint around, cleaning up takes a little coaxing, and this can be a lonely task for a social child and at times can feel like punishment or a never ending task. You may begin to see that your child wanting to help you clean. So be a tidy role model – that means you must model the behaviors you want to see in your child. Young children actually learn best through experience and not always through formal instruction.
For more great parenting tips check out Kimberley’s book, www.TheGoToMomsGuide.com.
Wow! Very straight forward and easy – in words, not so much in deed, but that´s life as a parent, isn´t it?
I was, however, somewhat surprised at the ages, you provide for different tasks. I have four children and find that even such a task as brushing teeth is something they need to be at least 8 yrs. old to do by themselves. Only then are they able to get into all the corners and do it properly. Perhaps what you mean is ‘doing themselves, but supervised?’
Oh yes! You are correct. Kids can begin to brush their own teeth very early on, but with adult supervision until they are 10 years old. Dentist recommend that parents finish the job for them to prevent tooth decay! Thanks for your comment on this!