Need My Kids to Help Clean

I just put on a CD of a "new age" boychoir called Libera. For days, I've been cleaning but I feel I'm not getting very far. The kids have done very little toward this. Our apartment is getting inspected on the 9th. For all I've done, there's still so much to do! Its not that its like we're hoarders- but I feel like I'm all alone here. All of our previous inspections have been quick and we have never not passed. Little bit by little bit. I need some light bulbs- they are burnt out. There's a long list of things they check on the back of our notice. I just need the kids to help sooner than later. I am getting more anxious about this with every new day that ticks by.

You should get your kids to help. They need to know how important the inspections are and how not passing the inspection could affect your lives. I think that even if they are 5 years old that they can do something. Dust? Throw their toys in a box? If they are well above 5 years old, they can do a lot.

I hope you get the cooperation you need and find that the remaining chores get done expeditiously.

They are 17 and 19- almost 18 and 20!

Time for them to step up to the task! Immediately.

Make a list and divide it. They should also be responsible for their rooms, bathroom and laundry. My son's other chores are dishes and dog clean up. Maybe if you can afford it have a cleaning day where you play music, everyone has to help out and at the end there's pizza and soda.

That's a good idea! Pizza party! My kids have their normal chores plus cleaning their rooms. Honestly, I would be happy if they just got their rooms in order- they do great jobs- when they want to. Actually, my mom is coming to help with the list when she gets home from camping. I have "their" (inspectors) list and the list of extras I keep thinking of. I feel guilty just taking this break.

I understand the feeling of not getting any help from your kids. My kids are much younger, but they know how to throw away their garbage and put things in bins and yet they make it out to be a huge ordeal sometimes. It is so frustrating when they complain about helping out in the most basic ways.

Take there phones , blast some fun music , have a list for each that they are responsible for cleaning, when it’s done you can return the phone to each when completed

I agree a pizza party once everything is clean is a wonderful idea.

Now between now and the inspection they must maintain things to be clean or I’d be taking phones away again.

All your kids are older enough and able to keep there home neat clean and orderly.

Snap that whip

I squirt cleaner into the the toilet bowl let it sit and do its job.

I keep a container of Lysol bleach ready to use paper cloths things in The bathroom and once a day I use one to wipe off counters, shower and or tub and lastly the toilet, it might take me 7 mins a day total , but my bathroom is always clean and it’s not hard at all. As your walking out the door, scrub the bowl of the toilet and bam it’s done.

Working smart is the real goal.

In addition to all the other good ideas I'd like to offer this: Give each "child" the choice between two different tasks that need completed. Let them know that that's how you're all going to work your way through the overall list. And it doesn't hurt to state explicitly there are things you don't enjoy doing but you do them anyhow.

Are there any consequences that they would have if they do not help you? I know they are older but do you pay their phone bill or give them gas money or let them use your car?

My youngest helped today. My middle has been house sitting and working. She knows what needs doing and will get it done before the deadline. I just dont remember having so many things to do for it- we have the same list as last time.