Mamas, let’s be real, getting a preschooler to help with chores is like convincing a cat to take a bath. You try. You plead. You even bribe. And yet, there they are, flopping on the floor, dramatically declaring they’re “too tired” (right after running laps around the house for 30 minutes straight).
But what if I told you there’s a way to get your little tornado actually excited about helping out? Yes, friend, it’s possible! Read on for nine genius tricks that will turn chore time into fun time, and maybe even give you a minute to sip that coffee while it’s still hot.
1. Make It a Game (Because Everything Is More Fun When It’s a Game!)
Turn tidying up into an epic challenge! Set a timer and see who can pick up the most toys in 60 seconds. Pretend the dust bunnies are “monsters” that need to be captured. Give their stuffed animals a VIP cleaning service. When chores feel like play, kids actually want to participate.
2. The Magic of Music
Music has an almost supernatural ability to make everything better. Create a “cleaning dance party” playlist, blast it, and let them bust out their best moves while they wipe the table or put away their shoes. Bonus: You’ll get some adorable dance content for your camera roll.
3. Sticker Charts (Because Preschoolers Love Stickers More Than Life Itself)
There’s just something about peeling and sticking a shiny gold star that makes kids feel like superheroes. Create a simple chore chart with tasks like “make bed,” “help with laundry,” and “clear plate.” Every time they complete a task, they earn a sticker. Fill up a row? Reward time!
4. Let Them Be the Boss
Preschoolers love to be in charge. Give them a “Chore Captain” badge and let them pick which tasks they (and even YOU!) do. Feeling fancy? Get a little clipboard and call them the “Cleaning Supervisor.” The more control they have, the more eager they’ll be to participate.
5. Kid-Sized Cleaning Tools = Instant Excitement
Hand them a mop that’s bigger than they are, and they’ll be over it in seconds. But give them a pint-sized broom or a mini spray bottle filled with “magic cleaning potion” (aka water)? Suddenly, they’re professionals. Pro tip: The Melissa & Doug Cleaning Set is a total game-changer. Moms swear by it because it actually works, and kids LOVE it.
6. Turn Chores Into a Treasure Hunt
Hide a small surprise (a sticker, a tiny toy, or a note) under a pile of laundry or in a random spot that gets cleaned. Tell them there’s a hidden treasure, but only the best cleaners can find it. Trust me, they’ll be wiping down surfaces like a pro just to discover what’s inside.
7. Make It a Race (Because Preschoolers Are Naturally Competitive)
Challenge them to “beat the clock” or see if they can fold their socks before you finish loading the dishwasher. The faster they go, the more fun they have, and the cleaner your house gets. Win-win!
8. Praise, Praise, and More Praise
Want to see a preschooler beam with pride? Shower them with compliments like they just won a gold medal in cleaning. “Wow, you wiped that table so well, I can see my face in it!” A little exaggerated enthusiasm goes a long way.
9. Make Chores a Family Event
Kids don’t want to feel like they’re stuck doing something alone. So make it a team effort! If everyone is folding laundry together or wiping down the table as a family, it becomes less of a “chore” and more of a bonding activity.
Ready to Try These Out?
Start with just one of these tricks today and see how your little one responds. And if you’re serious about making chores actually fun, grab the Melissa & Doug Cleaning Set, because a kid with their own mini mop is a kid who wants to clean. (And let’s be honest, we need all the help we can get!)
What’s your go-to trick for getting your preschooler to help out? Drop it in the comments, I’d love to hear it!