Cleaning

Hi, K..

You are so smart to let her help now! Maybe if she grows up helping, she'll be a teenager who is just "in the habit" of helping!!

When my daughter was younger and wanted to help, I bought her a spray bottle which I filled with water. She used it to clean the TV (in the days before plasma screens!), the windows, the front of the oven, anything she could spray and wipe. I also bought her a basket and taught her to go through the house each evening, looking for her things, and putting them into the basket. Then the basket went to her room with her and things could be put where they belonged. It was lots easier than making all those trips back and forth, and she felt so "official" carrying around that basket! She also became the table-setter. I'll never forget the first time she refused to do that job. I went ahead and put the food on the table and called everyone in to eat. Her dad (who hadn't heard the "refusal scene") said, "Uh ... how are we supposed to eat with no plates and no forks?" That's all it took for her to jump out of her seat, grab the stuff, and get the table set. The experience really taught her the importance of everyone doing their share, and she learned that helping is not only fun, but it matters!! I think kids need to know they matter.

Anyway ... have fun. Four is such a fun age!!
Geri

When my girls were at that age, (they are now ages 6&8) they wanted to help clean too. I would let them "wash" the counters off with a wet paper towel or washcloth just wet with water. Or I went to the dolar store and got a child's size mop and broom and a small bucket. I would let them "mop" the floor. I would only put about half a cup of water in the bucket so I wouldn't have a huge mess to deal with, but they felt like they wre realy mopping and never knew the difference. They also loved to help me with the laundry. I would pull the things out of the washer and they would throw them in the dryer for me, or they would help me "fold" the towels and socks and underware. Just some ideas. Hope they help!

The only way I get anything done around the house is by letting my 3 year old help me clean. He brings me his dirty clothes and helps me load the dryer and the washing machine. I will also give him a damp wash cloth and tell him to wipe down the counters in the kitchen or bathrooms, or a feather dusterand let him dust shelves or the coffee table. And he absolutely loves helping me rinse the dishes and load them in the dish washer, plastic dishes or non-breakable things like forks and spoons. I hope this helps a little. Good luck :)

T. S

My daughter started out "folding" laundry, she also would help sweep (we got her a mini broom). When she was 5 she got to start helping dry dishes (the non breakables of course) I also taught my daughter that her room was her "house" and she should keep that clean if she wanted to help mommy clean the familys home.

Have fun with it!!!!I am glad you have a little helper!

Get her to help dust.
Feed the animals.
Water the flower pots.
Put the dishes up after they have washed in the dishwasher.
Help fold her clothes. or Match socks
Vacuum with a small vacuum.
Take out the trash.