February 9, 2010

teaching the boys to clean


I'm a huge believer that my boys are to learn the correct way of my cleaning. They have been cleaning bathrooms on their own for over a year. Here's how I plan it...

1. I have them clean before bath time. (this way, they can get wet and it doesn't matter)
2. With cleaner, I spray and squirt down bathroom.
3. They have a sponge (with scrubby side) and a big plastic cup from gas station.
4. They clean sink, toilet (brush and Clorox wipe around porcelain) and shower/tub.
5. I wipe mirror, counter top, toilet and bath sides with windex on a rag.

On Saturday, I thought it would be a good idea to watch as they clean to add my 'help' (comments). I really did it to see how thorough they are (their wives will appreciate it later) and maybe even missionary companions will be glad to sit on a clean toilet.

They don't complain about cleaning and they take turns cleaning theirs and the master bathroom.

Once I was teaching Ethan how to do something (can't remember what) but he questioned as to why we have to do it "that(my)" way. I just explain that it's the correct way and he shouldn't be in the habit of doing it any other way.

I'm teaching them how to clean the tile floors (vacuum & mop), laundry (start to finish (includes sorting and starting the washer, taking clothes from washer to dryer and folding to putting away)), loading & unloading dishwasher, and taking out all the trashes, vacuuming house. I'm trying to get into the mode of teaching them to prepare and cook. I've had Ethan learning to make Lumpia (Phillipino egg roll). He's learned to wrap them and fry them.

3 comments:

Shani said...

Wow, you're such a good mom teaching them so well!! I find it easier to just do it myself rather than fight with them to do it.

Tori said...

Sarah- I love how motivated you are. You inspire me!

arizonamama said...

When can you come teach my kids?