It’s getting to be that time of year when birds return, flowers bloom and we start wanting to make our homes as fresh as Spring’s arrival.

While many chores are best left to adults, here are some ways to get the kids involved in the Spring cleaning fun!

• Give the little ones a baby wipe or a damp cloth (no chemical cleaners), and let them tackle the baseboards and low windowsills.
• Let your children assist as you designate toys for keep/donate/sell/trash.
• Set out bins labeled with words and/or pictures (for pre-readers) for children to sort the toys they are keeping.
• Have a mini fashion show to see which clothes from last year still fit.
• Kids can sweep out those pesky corners with small dustpans and brooms.
• If you have a yard sale, let the children have their own table to earn some money from selling their old toys and books. (This motivates them to part with more stuff.)
• Consider paying them a penny per pine cone/sweetgum ball/ whatever when the family is doing yard work.
• Be sure to reward their hard work!

If nothing else, these things will keep the kids busy while you tackle the big stuff. And being a part of the cleaning may encourage them to be a part of keeping things clean.

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