When you homeschool, it’s tough to find a consistent way to make sure your home stays clean. Finding a balance between keeping your home clean and working with your children on their schoolwork can be challenging, but we have some tips to help make that area a little more smooth.
Find at least once a day where you can have each student be working on something that they can do without constant help and supervision. Even if this time frame is only for 10 minutes, you will be amazed at how much you can get done in that amount of time. Ten minutes gives you enough time to fold a load of laundry, or to put one on to wash, to do a sink full of dishes, or to unload the dishwasher, or to take out the trash etc. Utilize your time wisely, and you will be amazed at what you can complete.
Have your kids help with chores. Children as young as four years old can help with everyday tasks around the house. This not only helps you, but teaches them responsibility and makes them feel like a working contributor in the home. Give them one task to complete before the school day begins, and one more task to complete when the school day has ended. Designate a chore to each child and have them keep the same chore, or mix it up a bit. If you choose to change the chores you give your child(ren), you can make it fun by allowing them to choose a chore from a hat or bowl.
Make sure you children know what is expected to complete a task for it to be done well. If you ask them to do the dishes, and expect them to also dry and put away the dishes, tell them. If you ask them to take out the trash, and expect them to also put a new trash bag back in the trash can, tell them. Lead by example. Your children will clean as they have seen you clean. If you expect them to make their beds each morning, make sure you lead by example. Remember, a smile and some helpful encouragement go a long way in a child’s life! Make sure to whistle while you work!
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