If you’re a mom with ADHD, getting your kids to help with cleaning can feel like an uphill battle. Add in the possibility that your kids might also have ADHD, and the challenge doubles. But here’s the good news: With the right strategies, you can turn cleaning into a team effort that’s manageable, engaging, and even fun for everyone.
Let’s explore some ADHD-friendly ways to get your kids involved in cleaning—without the stress or meltdowns.
Why Involving Kids in Cleaning Is Worth It
1. It Reduces Your Mental Load
Let’s face it: Moms already do a lot. Delegating cleaning tasks lightens your load and teaches your kids valuable life skills.
2. It Builds Responsibility
Kids who contribute to household chores learn accountability and teamwork. Plus, it helps them feel like valued members of the family.
3. It Makes Cleaning Less Overwhelming
When everyone pitches in, the workload becomes more manageable. Even small contributions from your kids can make a big difference.
ADHD-Friendly Strategies to Get Kids Cleaning
1. Break Tasks Into Small Steps
Kids with ADHD (and adults, too!) can feel overwhelmed by vague instructions like “clean your room.” Instead, break the task into smaller, specific steps.
Example:
- Pick up clothes from the floor.
- Put toys in the toy bin.
- Throw away trash.
Why It Works: Small steps make the task feel achievable and provide clear direction.
2. Turn Cleaning Into a Game
Make cleaning more engaging by gamifying it. ADHD brains love novelty and competition, so use these to your advantage.
Game Ideas:
- Beat the Timer: Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how much cleaning your child can accomplish before it goes off.
- Color Hunt: Ask your child to pick up items of a specific color.
- Treasure Hunt: Hide a small prize in a cluttered area and challenge your child to find it while cleaning.
Why It Works: Games make cleaning fun and provide the dopamine boost that ADHD brains crave.
3. Use Visual Aids
Kids with ADHD benefit from visual reminders and cues. Create chore charts, use labeled bins, or show them a photo of what a clean room looks like.
Quick Tip: Use colorful sticky notes or dry-erase boards to list tasks for the day.
Why It Works: Visual aids reduce confusion and help kids stay focused.
4. Set Up a Reward System
Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator for kids with ADHD. Create a reward system to celebrate their cleaning efforts.
Example Rewards:
- Extra screen time
- A small treat or toy
- Choosing a family activity
Why It Works: Rewards provide immediate feedback and encourage consistency.
5. Lead by Example
Kids are more likely to clean if they see you doing it, too. Work alongside them and model the behavior you want to encourage.
Pro Tip: Narrate what you’re doing to provide guidance, like “I’m putting all the books back on the shelf. Can you help me with the toys?”
Why It Works: Cleaning together makes it feel like a team effort instead of a chore.
6. Keep It Short and Sweet
Long cleaning sessions can feel exhausting for kids with ADHD. Focus on short bursts of cleaning, like 10-15 minutes at a time.
Quick Tip: Use timers to signal the start and end of a cleaning session.
Why It Works: Short sessions keep kids engaged and prevent burnout.
7. Celebrate Their Wins
Every effort counts! Praise your kids for their hard work, even if the results aren’t perfect. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages them to keep helping.
Example: “You did an awesome job picking up your toys! The living room looks so much better.”
Why It Works: Acknowledging their efforts reinforces the behavior and makes them feel proud.
How This Changed My Household
When I started using these ADHD-friendly strategies, cleaning became less of a battle and more of a bonding activity. My kids began taking ownership of their spaces, and I felt less overwhelmed knowing I wasn’t doing it all alone. It’s not always perfect, but it’s progress—and that’s what matters most.
Ready to Get Started?
To make cleaning with your kids even easier, I’ve created a free resource: The Tidy Kids Toolkit. It includes:
- A customizable chore chart.
- Fun cleaning games to keep kids engaged.
- A step-by-step guide to breaking down tasks.
Download your Tidy Kids Toolkit today and turn cleaning into a fun, stress-free activity for the whole family. Let’s tackle the mess together!
