6 Ways to Trick Kids Into Cleaning

In their early years, my kids were pretty much only good for snuggles and comic relief, but now that they're older, they've layered on the ability to be useful around the house. They unload the dishwasher and vacuum the rugs, but every once in a while I use their endless energy to tackle deeper cleaning tasks.

When I was thinking of all the ways we clean together, I asked the kids, "What are some of the ways I trick you into cleaning?" They were confused about the question, so I elaborated. "You know, like Sock Skating." My nine-year-old tilted his head to the side and said, "You know you aren't tricking us, right? We know we're cleaning." I smiled, because I'm glad they know they're being helpful, but I'm also happy they are having fun doing it and feeling a sense of accomplishment. Not all chores have to be a drag.

About the Author

Amy Flory

Amy Flory has been featured on multiple parenting sites, was named one of Mashable’s 17 Funny Moms on Twitter in 2013, and one of Parenting’s 10 Twitter Handles to Follow in 2015. She is a contributor to the New York Times Bestselling I Just Want to Pee Alone series, and the wildly popular Big Book of Parenting Tweets series. Amy can be found laughing at the absurdity of parenting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, sharing her famous Crock Pot Thursday recipes on Pinterest, and writing embarrassing stories about her family and herself at FunnyIsFamily.com.
Amy Flory has been featured on multiple parenting sites, was named one of Mashable’s 17 Funny Moms on Twitter in 2013, and one of Parenting’s 10 Twitter Handles to Follow in 2015. She is a contributor to the New York Times Bestselling I Just Want to Pee Alone series, and the wildly popular Big Book of Parenting Tweets series. Amy can be found laughing at the absurdity of parenting on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, sharing her famous Crock Pot Thursday recipes on Pinterest, and writing embarrassing stories about her family and herself at FunnyIsFamily.com.

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