5 Ways Cleaning Can Help Your Child’s Development
It’s spring, and for many that means time to clean! Cleaning habits, if developed early, will help your child to understand the importance of hygiene and sanitation.
Cleaning doesn’t need to be an adults-only task; there can be many benefits to getting your child involved, too! So grab an extra set of supplies, and learn more about how cleaning can help their development.
Cleaning helps your child to:
Practice gross motor skills
The physical act of cleaning will get your child moving, and working their larger muscle groups. Actions like wiping, sweeping, and dusting can provide opportunities to move in new ways. Additionally, picking up toys works core, arm and leg muscles.
Check out your toddlers milestones here!
Practice fine motor skills
Smaller muscles in their hands will also get a workout. Actions like folding clothes or sorting small items, like toys or hair accessories, will strengthen their fine motor skills. Make sure children do not handle any small items that could be a choking hazard for them.
Learn responsibility
Like any chore, developing cleaning habits can be a great way to set responsibilities for your child. Work with them to pick the tasks they will do, so their responsibilities are clearly set. Then select a time by which they will complete their cleaning tasks. You may need to remind them of when that time is, and check in on them, but this bit of independence will help them to understand what they are responsible for, and feel accomplished when they see it through!
TIP: Cleaning doesn’t have to be boring! Use kid-friendly supplies like shaving cream to clean surfaces, or put on music to make it a cleaning dance party!
Exercise giving back
Consider donating items that your child has outgrown and won’t use if you are able. Show your child that those items will be used by someone who needs them and will love them just as much as they once did.
Feel appreciated
While they’re cleaning and once the job is complete, be sure to congratulate your child on a job well done and thank them for their much-needed help. This simple act can show them the benefits of working hard and following through!
Remember, safety first! Never have your children handling any chemicals, excessive amounts of dust, or anything heavy/out of reach. If you notice any skin or sensory irritation due to dust, chemicals, etc., have them stop immediately. Learn more about which chores are best for your child.
Want to learn more about baby’s development and track their milestones?
Download the FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones App!
