Green Cleaning with Kids

For me, one of the BEST things about green cleaning is that I don't have to worry about cleaning my house with my kiddos around.  I don't worry that they're inhaling toxic fumes from my spray cleaner.  Or that they'll touch something that was cleaned with chemicals and then put their hands in mouth.  I don't have to wait until they are sleeping and then spend those precious, quiet minutes cleaning - all you mamas know what I mean! :)  

In fact, I have been able to encourage my daughter to "help" me clean as I let her do things alongside me and teach her about doing chores. I have to take advantage of the fact that she actually wants and likes helping me at this age!

I recently started including her in different cleaning activities that I do throughout the day.  She helps me dust or wipe down the tables with a microfiber cloth and my multipurpose spray.

She helps me wipe the sink and the edge of the bathtub when I'm cleaning the bathroom.  She is learning how to fold her wipes that we use in the kitchen.

She helps me load and unload the dishwasher and the laundry.  And Brenden is always right there with us too, either in the sling or his exersaucer happily bouncing away.  Here she is "vacuuming" the rug that's sprinkled with baking soda while B watches.

I love that I am modeling and teaching my daughter (and son, although he's still a little young!) :) about responsibility, as well as valuable skills that will (hopefully) make my life easier as she gets older and able to help more on her own.  She is a great little helper, I am always so impressed by how serious she is about doing her job well, and how much she actually enjoys helping me.  None of this would really be possible if I was using chemicals and other junk to clean my house. 

Do you include your kids in your cleaning routines?  In what ways do they help you around the house, or what chores are their responsibility?