Part 1: How to Declutter and Have a Tidy House with Kids
Part 2: How to Feed Your Family – The Chaos of Meal Prepping and Constant Snacking
Laura Hernandez is a mom of 10. Yes that is correct, 10 children. You’d think her home would be constant chaos but she has created systems to turn that chaos into calm. In this episode of the Burnt Pancakes Podcast, I sit down to have a momversation with her about how she manages the toys and clutter, how to feed all the kids and how to find “me time” in the midst of a big family.
Laura’s Tips for Managing Clutter:
1.Less is More – Keep toys to a minimum. Kids get overwhelmed by too many toys.
2. Add More Creative Play – Instead of toys, introduce creative play like getting out a bunch of bowls and spoons from the kitchen or sticks from outside and let kids use their imagination.
3. Bring Kids in on the Decision Making – When it is time to donate toys, bring your child in on the decision making. Have them join you when you collect toys and bring them to the donation center.
4. It’s Not Wasteful to Get Rid of Toys – This is a mindset shift we need to make. If your kids haven’t played with their toys, even if they are very new, it is not wasteful to donate them. This helps keep the clutter and overwhelm down.
5. Let Your Kids Choose – Sometimes it is hard for kids to let go of toys. Try having them pick their 5 favorites out of a group of 10 toys, then donate the rest. This means they are still keeping some without feeling like everything is going.
6. Set a Timer for Cleaning Up – When it’s time to clean up set a “Tidy Timer” so your kids know how long they have to clean.
7. Use Broad Categories for Toy Bins – Sometimes it is hard for kids to understand our organization system. Keep categories very broad so it is easier for clean-up. Instead a bin for each color Lego, make one large Lego bin. Other examples: box for all costumes, all trucks/cars/vehicles, box for all dolls and doll accessories.
8. Give Kids “Jobs” for Cleaning Up – Just saying clean-up might be too overwhelming for kids. Instead, give your kids a specific job like, “Now you are going to clean up all the Legos” or “Your job is to find all the books and put them on the shelf.
9. Stick with a Predictable Routine– Set a daily routine of cleaning up. This could be every night while mom is making dinner or maybe 10 minutes before your bedtime routine. This helps make things predictable for your kids.
10. Use Chore Charts and Include Visuals – Chore charts are a great way to set a clear expectation for what chores your child needs to do. Here are two of our favorites:
Chores for Kids Ages 2-3:
- Put away toys in a designated bin or basket.
- Help feed pets with supervision.
- Wipe up spills with a cloth or paper towel.
- Assist in sorting laundry (under supervision).
- Help set the table by placing napkins or utensils.
- Water plants (with assistance).
- Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket.
- Dust low surfaces with a feather duster.
- Help gather items for bath time.
- Put books back on the shelf.
Chores for Kids Ages 4-7:
- Make their bed in the morning.
- Help clear the table after meals.
- Put away groceries (non-breakable items).
- Sort and fold clean laundry.
- Take out the trash (with supervision).
- Help wash dishes (plastic items).
- Sweep floors with a small broom and dustpan.
- Feed and water pets (under supervision).
- Assist in washing the car (e.g., scrubbing tires).
- Help pack their own school bag.
Chores for Kids Ages 8-10:
- Make their bed and tidy their bedroom.
- Set the table for meals.
- Empty and load the dishwasher (non-sharp items).
- Help prepare simple meals (e.g., making sandwiches).
- Take care of personal hygiene (brushing teeth, etc.).
- Help with yard work (raking leaves, pulling weeds).
- Sort and take out recycling.
- Clean windows and mirrors in reachable areas.
- Vacuum or sweep floors.
- Assist in washing the family car.
Remember, the difficulty and complexity of chores can vary based on a child’s individual abilities and maturity level. Always provide supervision and adapt the tasks to suit their capabilities.
To Listen to More Episodes of the Podcast:
