Kids & Family

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(StatePoint) When it comes to cleaning up after children, it often feels impossible to keep up. Don’t let the housework get the best of you; there are strategies that can help make being a parent just a little bit easier. Check out these helpful tips to ensure the kids are having fun, while your home stays tidy -- and your sanity remains intact.

Use clean-up games and new technologies and tools to keep your home tidy.

1. The Cleanup Game.

In the words of Mary Poppins, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and -- SNAP! -- the job’s a game!” Hold children accountable for picking up after themselves, by making it seem like less of a chore and more like a game. Issue each child a challenge, such as asking him or her to pick up as many red toys as possible before a timer expires. If successful, consider giving a small reward.

2. Sticky-Finger Solution.

Even the pickiest of eaters can’t say no to a sticky peanut butter and jelly sandwich. However, the remnants on dishes can be a nuisance to wash. Ease the pain and upgrade to a faucet with extra power options, such as Power Clean spray technology, available on select Moen kitchen faucets. Power Clean makes clean-up fast and easy. You’ll soon notice peanut butter, tomato sauce and other tough-to-rinse foods are no longer an issue.

3. Arts and Crafts Aftermath.

There’s nothing more entertaining than a messy arts and crafts hour. From finger paints and crayons to markers and glitter, it’s all fun and games until mom has to wipe up the aftermath -- especially the glitter. Easily tidy up glitter spills with a lint roller. It works wonders on all surfaces including clothing and furniture. For embedded sparkles, use rubber gloves to loosen them from the surface, then roll over the area with a lint brush or vacuum.

4. Keep Towels Handy.

Spills and messes can often seem endless. Keep towels close by and easy to access for the entire family by installing a towel ring or towel bar in the kitchen. For instance, the new Press & Mark installation system by Moen makes it easy. It features a washable ink stamp to show users exactly where to drill, and select accessories even include a self-adhesive level, helping to ensure proper and accurate installation.

5. When in Doubt, Dance.

Burn some energy and get the family involved in housework by enjoying a nightly pick-up session. Crank up the music and dance your way around the room until everything is back in order. Assign each family member a task, like dusting or organizing, and groove your way to a more orderly abode.

6. Make Every Bath a Safe Bath.

After a long day of peanut butter sandwiches and finger painting, bath time brings about a sense of calm. But did you know that children younger than five account for 43,000 slips and falls in the bathroom annually? That’s one accident every 12.5 minutes, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital research. Keep bath time fun and safe for little ones by installing a grab bar. Opt for one that pulls double-duty and features a shelf for added storage of shampoo and rubber duckies.

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