Keeping your toddler’s room clean can be a challenge, but it can also be an opportunity to teach them responsibility, organization, and hygiene. Here are 10 tips to help you and your toddler keep their room clean:
- Establish a routine. Toddlers thrive on routines, so picking up toys daily before bed or while playing a cleaning game helps them learn to take care of their things. You can also set a timer for 15 minutes of cleaning per day or have one big cleaning day every week.
- Provide guidance. Toddlers may need more help and direction when it comes to cleaning. You can give them specific tasks, such as putting dirty clothes in the hamper, throwing away trash, or putting books on the shelf. You can also use a printable cleaning checklist for kids’ rooms to remind them of what to do.
- Model the behavior. Toddlers learn by watching and imitating others, so you can show them how to clean by doing it with them. You can start by lending a hand and then gradually reduce your involvement as they get more confident and independent. You can also praise them for their efforts and results.
- Use the right tools. Toddlers may not be able to use the same cleaning tools as adults, so you can provide them with kid-friendly alternatives. For example, you can give them a microfiber cloth or a sock to dust their surfaces, a spray bottle with water and vinegar to wipe down their furniture, or a small broom and dustpan to sweep their floor.
- Make it fun. Toddlers may not enjoy cleaning as much as playing, so you can make it more fun by adding some elements of play. For example, you can turn cleaning into a race, a treasure hunt, or a musical activity. You can also use stickers, charts, or rewards to motivate them.
- Organize their belongings. Toddlers may have trouble finding or putting away their things if they don’t have a proper place for them. You can organize their belongings into categories, such as toys, books, clothes, etc., and use bins, baskets, shelves, or hooks to store them. You can also label each container with words or pictures to help them identify them.
- Declutter regularly. Toddlers may accumulate a lot of stuff over time, such as gifts, crafts, or hand-me-downs. You can declutter their room regularly by sorting through their items and getting rid of anything that is broken, outdated, unused, or unwanted. You can donate or recycle the items that are still in good condition.
- Sanitize frequently. Toddlers may be exposed to germs and allergens in their room, especially if they have carpets, curtains, stuffed animals, or pillows. You can sanitize their room frequently by vacuuming the floor and fabrics, washing the bedding and linens, wiping down the surfaces and toys, and disinfecting the trash can.
- Involve them in decisions. Toddlers may feel more invested in their room if they have some say in how it looks and feels. You can involve them in decisions such as choosing the color scheme, the furniture layout, the wall decor, or the storage options. You can also ask for their opinions and preferences when decluttering or organizing their room.
- Be realistic and flexible. Toddlers may not be able to keep their room perfectly clean all the time, and that’s OK. You can be realistic and flexible about your expectations and standards for their room. You can focus on the progress they make rather than the perfection they achieve. You can also adjust your tips and strategies according to their age, personality, and needs.
