When it's time for clean up at our home, we have CLEANING PARTIES!
When it's just about time for a CLEANING PARTY!, we (husband and I) announce to the children (ages 3 & 4) that in FIVE MINUTES it is time to clean! And we say it all excited like, in no way do we make it sound like a bad thing. When the time comes for the CLEANING PARTY! to begin, the TV gets turned off, activities are put away and sometimes, we even put on some fun music. We then set the timer for anywhere from 5-10 minutes and we clean like mad fools. Most of the time, the kids need direction, but it's a great way to include them in the household chores.
Once the timer goes off, we celebrate with clapping and dancing and cheering! IT'S SO MUCH FUN! (at least I think it's a hoot.) And we call it a CLEANING PARTY! and it totally works for us!
For more ideas, visit Shannon at Rocks in my Dryer.
I LOVE this idea! Any time you can make the job fun it will be easier to get it done!
Posted by: Jen | April 18, 2007 at 12:01 AM
You are so good and smart to get everyone involved. I always thought cleaning was fun to begin with, but then again I am totally an OCD freak - you knew that!
Posted by: Lynette | April 18, 2007 at 07:39 AM
Every once in a while I can get my kids to do this... but most of the time, it's ME who's blaring the music and cleaning my heart out... :)
GREAT IDEA!
Posted by: Heather @ Desperately Seeking Sanity | April 18, 2007 at 07:52 AM
Great idea. It's more fun to do the housework as a family.
Posted by: Rona | April 18, 2007 at 10:10 AM
Genius!!! And even more impressive that you get your hubby to clean too ;)
Posted by: J. Fergie | April 18, 2007 at 10:11 AM
So ... I'm having a cleaning party at my house this weekend ... wanna send your kids???
Posted by: GiBee | April 18, 2007 at 01:33 PM
Oh the memories... my mom used to do this when we were kids. As we grew we figured out her ulterior motives but it was still fun (somewhat) and it was a LOT easier than having to do it all alone.
Posted by: Toni | April 18, 2007 at 04:53 PM
This is a great idea. We do the same thing...just never made it sound so fun! We may have to add that in. With so many in the family it really helps! Great Post!
Posted by: melanie | December 05, 2007 at 10:37 PM
Neat idea. I need to try this morning. Love your blog image (the laundry).
My WFMW is about vinegar.
Posted by: Robin @ Heart of Wisdom | February 06, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Neat idea. My daughters would love this. Who doesn't like a party.
Posted by: Beverly | July 23, 2008 at 08:45 AM