As we approach the end of the school holidays, you may be just about at the end of your tether, tired of the never-ending mess and clutter and sick of the sound of your own voice as you ask the kids to clean up over and over again. Sound familiar?

Anyone who has ever stepped bare footed on a piece of Lego left lying in the middle of the lounge room overnight will agree it is not a pleasant experience. Wouldn’t it be great if kids shared the view of their parents about a neat and tidy home environment and tidied up after themselves without being asked! It’s not as far-fetched as it seems.

Below are 6 practical tips to get your kids to clean up after themselves.

1. Smart small

Don’t expect miracles. Be patient and give things time if you have always cleaned up after your kids. Set some simple age-appropriate tasks like clearing dishes after dinner, putting folded clothes away (older kids can learn to fold for themselves), keeping a certain room of the house clean and tidy (not necessarily their bedroom) and packing and unpacking the dishwasher.

2. Don’t do it yourself

This is easier said than done because many parents think it’s easier to just do it themselves to avoid a battle with their kids. However, parenting experts say we are doing our kids a disservice by not letting them be responsible and do the things they can do themselves. Pick one area of the home and let your kids know that you will no longer be tidying that area and that it is now their responsibility to look after it. Then hold firm and resist the urge to step in, even if it means putting up with a mess for a few days. Once your kids know you mean it, they will get the idea, especially when they start not being able to find the toy or item of clothing they want.

3. Don’t make chores sound like a punishment

Kids pick up on everything their parents say and do. So, if you make out like cleaning and tidying are horrible jobs you would prefer not to be doing, change your own behaviour and start talking about it as a means to an end. Let your kids know that a clean house keeps us healthy, makes it easier to find things, helps mum and dad so there’s more time to do fun things together, and so on.

4. Make it fun

Think music, dancing or creating a competition such as who can put their folded clothing away the fastest or pick up and put away the most toys. Set a timer and play ‘beat the timer’ when completing a chore. Be creative and have a bit of fun with it.

5. Reward positive behaviour

We get paid for the work we do as adults so setting up a reward system will teach your kids what it’s like to be rewarded for a job well done. You could reward them with pocket money, a treat once they’re finished their allocated chores or an experience like a trip to the beach, museum, or place of their choosing.

6. Consider the lifelong benefits

Helping around the home offers many developmental benefits for your child. It teaches them lifelong skills like contributing as part of a team and being responsible. It also encourages them to take pride in their home and belongings and appreciate the many benefits of living in a clean, uncluttered home.