Training Week: Day 3 — Cleaning is modeled before it is expected
Today is all about modeling. Because sometimes we tell our children, “Clean the bathroom,” but we never actually walked them through what cleaning the bathroom looks like. Then we get frustrated when they miss the sink, leave hair on the floor, wipe around the mess, forget the mirror, or say they’re done when the bathroom still looks halfway done. A child cannot master what we have not modeled. So before we correct the cleaning, we need to train the cleaning. Here’s what modeling can look like with the bathroom: Step 1: Bring them with you Say: “Today I’m going to show you how we clean the bathroom in this house. I’m not just telling you. I’m going to walk you through it.” Let them watch first. Step 2: Name the supplies Show them what each item is for. “This is for the mirror.”“This is for the sink.”“This is for the toilet.”“This is for the floor.”“These gloves protect your hands.”“This trash bag is for emptying the trash.” Don’t assume they know. Train them. Step 3: Start with trash Say: “First, we remove what does not belong.” Have them empty the trash can, pick up tissue, wrappers, empty bottles, and anything on the floor or counter that does not belong. Step 4: Clear the counter Say: “Before we wipe anything, we move the items out the way.” Move toothbrushes, hair products, soap, cups, and anything sitting around. Show them how to put things where they belong instead of wiping around them. Step 5: Clean the mirror Say: “Spray the mirror lightly, then wipe from top to bottom.” Show them not to spray too much. Show them how to check for streaks. Step 6: Clean the sink Say: “The sink needs to be wiped inside, around the faucet, behind the faucet, and around the edges.” Point it out. Kids miss what we don’t point out. Step 7: Clean the toilet Say: “The toilet has parts. We clean the top, the handle, the seat, under the seat, the rim, and around the bottom.” And parents, this part needs supervision depending on the child’s age and the cleaning products being used.