Getting your teen to clean

It may seem like an impossible task but it isn’t if you preserve. Yes, most teens will be prepared to help out and the trick is to get them to want to do it. It may be that pocket money is linked to chores or a small reward is given if completed to a satisfactory standard. A key thing to remember here is that as a child grows up and their rights increase so should their responsibilities increase.

There are a huge amount of chores children from age 12 can do. It is best for you to select those chores which you need your child to do and discuss the list with them. The first thing is get them to agree to do their chores. They may need some training for specific things. Getting your kids to do these chores will help them when they finally leave the nest.

Here are some appropriate chores for kids 12 and up:

Change bed sheets

Do laundry from start to finish

Clean shower, bath and toilet

Completely care for pets

Prepare one supper for the family per week

Babysit younger siblings for short periods

Mow lawn, spread mulch, fertilize

Wash windows

Pack own suitcase for longer holidays

Kids for this age are able to be a great help around the house. By teaching them these skills you will make their transition to complete independence so much easier.  For more information on cleaning products you can use and how to use them, visit www.blendwell.co.za. Blendwell Chemicals is the best local cleaning chemicals manufacturer in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Cleaning jobs for kids ages 9-11

When your children reach this age you know they are no longer small children. You, as the parent, have already suffered through years of comments dripping with sarcasm and a child who believes they know so much more than you.

If you’ve been getting your kids to do chores from an early age, it should be no trouble to get them to keep on going and adding more complex chores as they grow older.

Here’s a list of chores for this age group:

Bathe and groom pets

Organise own cupboards including toys

Fold own clothes and put away

Clean bath/ shower after use

Help younger siblings with homework

Iron own clothes (ensure safety training here)

Take out rubbish bins on collection day

Organise recycling efforts

Wash car and vacuum inside

It’s important to remember that the more you involve your kids in household duties, the more your own time will be freed up to spend with them. There is always plenty to do to keep your house clean but a family having time for activities together is also important. If everyone does their share, their will be more together. You can contact Blendwell Chemicals for all your cleaning products. Please visit www.blendwell.co.za. 

List of cleaning jobs for kids

During the school holidays it’s good for you kids to really start helping at home. If you make it part of your routine, you’ll be able to carry on after the holidays too. Too many kids today expect to be served and don’t know how to use the appliances around the house. I’ve written out a list for each of my kids to follow and so far, so good – they’re sticking to it.

With each age group you’ll want to include new tasks but also keep up with the old chores. You’ll find that if you have more than one child, you will be able to have younger children take over easier tasks.

Here is a list of cleaning jobs for kids between 6 and 8 years of age:

• Change bed sheets
• Load washing machine and run a load of laundry
• Wash dishes by hand
• Load and unload dishwasher
• Unpack groceries
• Pack lunch for school
• Fold simple laundry items and pack away
• Vacuum
• Sweep front step and outdoor pathways
• Prepare simple meals like salads and desserts (please ensure child is well trained with knives)
• Mop floors

You will need to spend some time showing your children how to do any cleaning jobs. It is important to remember that you don’t want to start your kids who may not have done many chores before on a complete list like this. Rather, start with a couple of things and slowly phase in more. Encourage your kids and praise them when they do a great job – they might just want to do more.

For more information on cleaning products you can use please visit www.blendwell.co.za. Blendwell Chemicals is a manufacturer of cleaning chemicals in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tips for Cleaning with Little Children

Now that the school holidays are upon us, the mess in my house has certainly increased. I’m not prepared to do this alone. My kids are the ones making the extra mess so they are going to help clean up – even the little ones.

I’ve been talking to each of my children about what I expect them to clean up and they have their own list of duties. They seem to be taking pride in what they do and are eager to do it well. Of course, there are lazy moments but I’m really proud of the job they’re doing.

As your child gets more duties they should continue to do their previous chores as well. This list will grow with age.

Here’s a list of the jobs for 4-5 year old children:

• Make own bed – duvet
• Prepare own simple breakfast or lunch (like cereal or sandwich) and clear away after
• Empty laundry baskets and sort into light and dark loads
• Empty small bins around the house
• Help with vacuuming, sweeping and dusting
• Clean kitchen counters with cloth and spray
• Clean bathroom sink
• Help fold laundry – small towels, etc
• Take clothes out of the washing machine and put into basket and pass items for hanging on the washing line.
• Mop laminate floors with spray and flat mop.
• Use dust buster for cleaning small spills

I find that making specific times for chores makes it easier to do. It is simply part of the routine and there is less resistance. For example, when you get dresses, you should make your bed and after breakfast sort the laundry. Once an activity has started it’s going to be a lot harder to get your kids attention.

For more information on cleaning and cleaning products, please visit www.blendwell.co.za. Blendwell Chemicals manufactures a massive range of cleaning products for all industries. We are the best local wholesaler of cleaning products in the Midrand area.

Getting your kids to clean up!

The school holidays are upon us and kids everywhere are running amok, causing chaos and making a mess - as they should. At this time of year, kids can get really bored really quickly and the threat of Santa won’t bring you any presents only lasts for so long.

It’s time to introduce some tasks that your kids can do to help you out around the house so that it doesn’t permanently look like a bombs hit it. Kids of all ages can help out. The key is to finding jobs that they can do and sticking to it -that’s the hard part.  If you haven’t managed to train your older children yet, you may need to get them started with tasks for younger children and introduce new tasks regularly to get them up to speed.

Here are some ideas of what you can get your two to three year old to help with:

• Tidy up toys and pack away.
• Put dirty clothes in the wash
• Wipe table where they ate.
• Spray and wipe chairs and table
• Wash vegetables
• Tear lettuce
• Help set and clear the table
• Bring in pet food bowls and check water bowl – tell parent if low
• Unpack plastic items and cutlery from the dishwasher

At first they may not be great with any of these tasks but a whole lot of encouragement and they will improve and they will show enthusiasm. If they grow up with chores to do there will be less resistance from them. For more information on the cleaning products you can use visit www.blendwell.co.za. Blendwell Chemicals is the best local cleaning chemical manufacturer in  Midrand South Africa.

Nelson Mandela

We hope that our Madiba rests in peace now. He was such an amazing example of what one person can do when love fills their heart. Thank-you Mabida for all the things you taught us. Your country and the world will miss you

Cleaning with Kids

Have you seen our latest article on cleaning with children? This article was written by a guest blogger and we have published it on our website. All schools seem to be breaking up for the holidays and your kids will be hanging around the house making a mess. Get them involved in cleaning up too!

Read this great article on: http://www.blendwell.co.za/Cleaning_With_Kids