Realistically, if getting your child to clean up behind him or herself is like pulling teeth, how much more so then, is the difficult task of teaching them how to clean their surroundings.

So what's a parent to do?

Besides setting a proper and consistent example of good housekeeping (since kids tend to emulate what they see), providing your child with their personal household cleaning toys, makes learning how to clean up behind themselves an experience they look forward to every time.

From toy mops and toy broom and dustpan sets; to toy vacuum cleaners and toy irons and ironing board sets; children's cleaning toys are a great initiative to entice your kids to clean up after themselves.

This pretend play works in two ways:

1.) it stimulates your child's imagination

2.) it teaches your child responsibility in a fun and creative way

From the moment your child establishes his/her proper motor skills, a small cleaning toy should be given him/her, followed by a simple demonstration as to it's intended use.

This should be done every time he/she creates a mess, and anytime regular household chores are to be performed.

While cleaning, have upbeat music playing in the background, or sing a cherry "clean up" song as you go along.

Once the task is completed, he/she should always be commended for the hard work they put into either cleaning up behind themselves, or aiding in the regular household chores.

Pretty soon. your child will be cleaning up after him or herself all alone, and picking up cues as to when to assist around the home without the request for help by you.

So if you're looking for a fun way to teach your child cleaning responsibilities, look no further than 'cleaning toys' for kids - teaching kids life lessons that will last them for a lifetime.