As the days gradually become longer and temperatures rise, spring is just over the horizon! For many families, spring cleaning is a useful way to reset and renew your home while also taking stock of your children’s early milestones to assess what clothes, items, or resources may no longer be best suited for your family. Here are a few ways to engage your children in the spring-cleaning process and help create a peaceful and thriving environment for your little ones!
Clothing
As a parent, you know all too well that children grow quite quickly, and keeping wardrobes aligned with growth spurts can be a challenge! Before heading into the summer months, take note of any fall or winter clothing that your child may or may not need by next season. Doing so early helps you identify any new pieces you may need well in advance.
Including your child in the process of sorting and/or choosing clothes can be an important learning opportunity as well. Not only can it encourage problem-solving and decision-making skills but also helps them learn independence and responsibility!
Toys
It’s completely normal to feel a little nostalgic as your child slowly outgrows certain toys. However, spring cleaning can be a perfect opportunity to assess outgrown toys or play accessories and declutter spaces for items better suited to your child’s growth. If they are at an appropriate age, kiddos can be useful in this process too as they can make independent decisions about which toys and/or games still interest them vs. those they may have outgrown.
Organizing
As your child grows up and potentially moves into their own room, teaching them to take ownership of their space can be a significant developmental milestone. Teaching the importance of cleanliness, picking up after themselves, and organizing their belongings can become a lifelong skill, and spring cleaning is a perfect opportunity to empower your little one to start having accountability for their space and how it’s organized!
Tackling spring cleaning as a family can be challenging, but incredibly worthwhile. The process of sorting through clothing, toys, or other mementos helps children learn responsibility, cleanliness, and accountability, which are all valuable lifelong lessons that will serve them greatly as they grow up!