Fun cleaning games for kids

It's even harder to keep up with the cleaning when you've got the kids around you all the time.

Try not to stress about the mess. Many families are in the same situation. And let's face it, you won't be having visitors over for a good while yet.

But maybe you'd feel calmer and more organised in a tidy home?

No problem. Kids love games. So let's gamify the house chores. Just one rule... keep it clean.

Clothes washing isn't pants

Games for children that involve clothes washing:

Sorting activity: sort the clothes into piles for each member of the family.
Pairing activity: match the socks.
Hanging washing: kids particularly like using pegs to hang washing.
Folding: show children how to fold. Cloths and tea towels are easier for small hands to fold.

Or as adults call this game... dusting!

Small children will love dusting with you.

Older children can join in too and reach the hard to reach places.

Top tip: remove any fragile ornaments before you let your little ones loose with a duster.

Children love to copy what you are doing.

They can join in with all types of cleaning and household chores:

Watch the BBC’s Tiny Happy People clip of a toddler enjoying cooking with her mum.

A lot of kids don't like going to bed, never mind tidying up beforehand.

Watch what happens when you add music to the mix. It's a great motivator that's often used in childcare settings.

My son’s nursery plays the Mission Impossible theme tune to get the children involved. Try it to your whole family's favourite tune.

Whatever you are doing, including your children can make things a bit easier, even if it's just for a short moment while you cook the family a meal.

Personal, social and emotional development: gaining confidence in different roles and developing independence.
Communication and language: learning new words; developing speaking, listening and understanding skills; engaging in conversation.
Physical development: being active; and developing gross and fine motor skills (folding clothes, using clothes pegs).
Understanding of the world: learning new skills and how things work in the world.