Your Child Will Learn
How to help clean up after mealtimes
Here’s What to Do
- Ask your child for help cleaning up the floor after a meal. Give your child a dustpan and brush, a child-sized broom, or a small handheld vacuum.
- Play “I Spy” to identify areas that need cleaning. Encourage your child to “spy” messes as well.
- Show your child how to finish the job by dumping the dustpan into the trash or emptying the vacuum.
- Repeat daily to help your child build a habit. Over time, help your child complete more steps on their own (like grabbing the cleaning supplies, moving chairs out of the way, making sure all the dirt is gone).
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- As your meal ends, see if your child can close their eyes and sit very still. What noises do they hear (like: clock ticking, birds outside, car honking)?
ENGAGE
- “I spy a bunch of crumbs under your sister’s high chair. Do you see them? Can you sweep them up?”
- “Can I show you how I use the little vacuum? Then you can use it all on your own.”
ENCOURAGE
- “Wow, you are such a great helper! Thank you for working together on my clean-up team!”
- “Oops! You accidentally spilled the dirt from the dustpan. Let’s sweep it up again and be extra careful while we bring it to the trash. No worries, you’re still learning!”
REFLECT
- “What other jobs around the house do you think you’re ready to help with?”
Not Quite Ready
Guide your child’s hands as they sweep.
Ready for More
Ask your child to help wipe down the kitchen table or counters.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will enjoy helping clean and take care of their home.
Time to Complete
5-10 minutes
Materials Needed
A dustpan and brush, child-sized broom, or small handheld vacuum.