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Getting To Clean without Nagging

I believe that part of my job as a parent is to fit my daughter for life. That entails many things, and specifically includes picking up after herself and cleaning.

Unfortunately, my daughter, aged 5, does not see this as a valuable skill. And any request to clean up would quickly deteriorate into a battle of wills.

I discovered a strategy when my daughter was potty training that made it easier. She refused to use the bathroom for me, but the promise of one of the Wiggles keeping track of her progress made her cheerful. I enlisted the help of my British brother-in-law to call and congratulate her on her progress. Potty training became much easier.

The trick is to remove yourself from the battle and put the focus on an impartial third party.

As she has grown older, I have switched to another third party to check up on my daughter picking up and sticking to the rules. The HouseFairy (no affiliation) is the system I use, and it was the best $5 I ever spent. The House Fairy makes random checks on cleanliness, and gives rewards for extra helping around the house.

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Photo by William Fawcett

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