Bissell

Bissell is often listed in the best vacuum category because each model cleans well and has a lot of bells and whistles. The brand is known for its bagless design, which keeps costs down. The vacuums are also famous for being dependable when cleaning pet hair.

The Model to Consider

Many great Bissell models will leave your home looking spotless. One of the best is their Featherweight Cordless Stick Vacuum. This tool is incredibly easy to use and very lightweight so you can get into the tough-to-reach spots with ease. The model also has several bending joints that allow you to get under the couch without having to bend down too far. Users have said that the vacuum is great on tough dirt and hair.

Belife

You may not be familiar with the Belife brand of vacuum cleaners, but you should be. Their vacuums are true hidden gems that are really powerful, especially for the price. These are great at cleaning carpets and hardwood floors. Most of the models are also very lightweight and easy to maneuver.

The Model to Consider

One of the most exciting Belife products to have in 2025 is the Belife BVC11 Cordless Vacuum. Among other things, the vacuum has great battery life, so you’ll never reach for it and find it out of power. The model also has many attachments and it can be modified to get to the tough spots. Finally, in testing, it had great suction in all spaces.

Black and Decker

Black and Decker is a brand that sells a variety of products, from power drills to coffee machines. It’s no surprise that people often bring them up when they talk about the best vacuums. Many Black and Decker vacuums are very sleek and powerful. Best of all, you can often switch the batteries with other B&D products you may own.

The Model to Consider

There are several notable models in the Black and Decker line, but for now, we’ll focus on the Power Series Extreme Cordless Vacuum. It’s no surprise that this vacuum has over 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon.com. There’s a lot to love. It’s a beast when it comes to picking up hair, it has an easy on-off button, and it has different settings for different types of flooring. It doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles, but what it does, it does very well.

Eureka

Eureka is another dependable vacuum brand that will put Dyson and many other competitors to shame. These vacuums are powerful and dependable. Many models have a cleaning canister that is large enough that you can clean an entire house in one go. Eureka’s models also hold a charge for a long time so you can get everything done at once.

The Model to Consider

For this list, we choose the Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum. When they say it’s lightweight, they mean it. You can easily carry this around and vacuum the stairs without struggling. The vacuum also comes with several attachments that allow you to clean anywhere with ease. It also has a dirt cup that’s easy to use, so you can continue vacuuming without long pauses. This is another great vacuum with many five-star reviews on Amazon.

Levoit

Levoit has been making great vacuum cleaners for a long time, and they only improve with age. They are more affordable than Dyson and they’re quite powerful. Each model comes with helpful attachments, and the brushes are equipped to pick up dirt and pet hair easily.

The Model to Consider

Of the many great Levoit vacuums to consider, we think the best vacuum in their current lineup is the Levoit VortexIQ 40 Cordless Stick Vacuum. This model is incredibly lightweight and it maneuvers very well, so you can clean it with little effort. You also get a handful of attachments that help you to clean around every corner. This model is also very smart. It has an intelligent auto mode that can automatically adjust how much suction is needed for the job.

Shark

Shark vacuums are often seen as a direct competitor to Dyson because they are both exceptional vacuum cleaner manufacturers. The big difference is that Shark is often the more affordable option. This brand is known for its DuoClean technology, which uses a traditional brush plus a soft roller to clean up all messes.

The Model to Consider

You could pick just about any Shark product, and it would make your house sparkling clean. Right now, we would like to highlight the Shark Wandvac Cordless Vacuum. This is another sleek model with many attachments and excellent maneuverability, so you can clean everywhere. You also get a five-year warranty. Perhaps the best feature is the self-emoting base. Once the vacuum is full, it transfers the dirt to the base, so you’re always ready to clean without hassle.

Tineco

You may not have heard of the Tineco brand before, but they easily have a place in the best vacuum category. Tineco products have many perks that most Dyson’s don’t. The dustbin is clear, so you can see when you need to empty it. Also, most Tineco’s come with an LED display that tells you when the vacuum is running out of suction, which is a great feature.

The Model to Consider

One of the best Tineco vacuums currently on the market is the Pure One S11 Cordless Vacuum. This is the vacuum for you if you love bells and whistles. It has the necessary attachments to make cleaning a breeze, like an app that syncs with your phone and a display that tells you when there’s only enough of a charge left for one more cleaning.

Samsung

If you have ever owned a Samsung product, then you know how flashy and dependable they are, so it’s only natural that they would be in the discussion for the best vacuum. Many Samsung vacuums are flashy and they will work for years without issues. If you have a Samsung TV or Samsung phone and you love it, then you’ll probably also love their cleaning products.

The Model to Consider

This electronics juggernaut continues to give us what we want with the Samsung Jet 60 Pet. In addition to cleaning dirt, the model also has a five-stage filtration system that captures allergens as you clean. This model is incredibly effective on pet hair and tough debris that most vacuums would simply pass over.

Scott

For many years, Scott paper towels have been some of the best towels in the industry, second only to Brawny. However, I’m starting to like Scott more. Since 1879, Scott has been all about “common sense on a roll,” and they have some great products.

Best Scott Products

There are many reasons why I put Scott above much of the competition. Their primary paper towels are incredibly absorbent and strong, so they can handle just about any mess with ease. They also have other great products that I have around my house, including their four-pack of toilet paper that has 1,000 sheets that can last for weeks.

Brawny

As I continue to enjoy my cleaning journey, I am also finding that anther one of the best paper towel brands is Brawny. They have some of the softest paper towels, which is rather ironic since the company started out in the lumber business. Brawny is one of the largest brands. They even own Angel Soft and other popular companies, so there’s a lot to love.

Why Choose Brawny

Brawny is famous for its incredible paper towel products. Some of their best products include their huge full-sheet rolls that allow you to clean up countless messes. One of the best things about these Brawny paper towels is that you can either tear them into squares or sheets of a specific size for the specific mess. The ability to pick and choose gives Brawny the edge over Bounty.

Sparkle

Most people run to the main brand paper towels, thinking that they’re the best. Yes, Brawny and Bounty are great, but you’ll be surprised what you find by expanding your horizons. One of the great paper towel companies is Sparkle. This is a budget towel company, meaning you may not get fancy designs and endless frills, but you will get a very absorbent paper towel for a great price.

Great Sparkle Products

Sparkle is undoubtedly one of the best paper towel brands. You get the same options as Bounty, like the ability to tear paper towels into squares or a sheet of your size, and you get them for a great price. If you have kids, then the added benefit of Sparkle products is that they have an adorable fairy on the packaging, which makes these paper towels fun for the whole family.

Viva

Viva paper towels are wonderful, which is a fact that’s not much of a surprise. After all, Viva is owned by the company Kimberly-Clark, which is one of the largest paper producers that also makes pull-ups, Kleenex, and more. Viva paper towels set themselves apart because they are one-ply. However, they’re almost as thick as two-ply, so you’re getting a better bang for the buck.

What’s Good at Viva?

You have a couple of choices when it comes time to pick up a great Sparkle product. For a great towel that tackles any mess, try their signature cloth that is soft, durable, and more than capable. Viva also has a multi-surface cloth that is pretty unbelievable because it can clean messes anywhere you find them. Either way, you’re good to go!

Green Forest

Another one of the paper towel brands that often falls off of the radar is the Green Forest brand. This is a great brand to try if you have messes to tackle but you also want to help the environment. Green Forest paper towels are made out of 100% recycled material. The company also makes toilet paper and facial tissue. Still, even though they’re “green” towels, they still do the job well.

Green Forest Products

In addition to being environmentally friendly, there’s also a Green Forest product for just about any need. As far as paper towels, you’re limited to a pack of one or three. However, the company has a lot more to offer, including various toilet paper, napkins, and facial tissue products. Fill your home with these products and you’ll be mess-free while helping the planet. 

Kirkland Signature

When you’re looking for a bargain but you still want a great product, look no further than Kirkland. Often found at Costco stores, Kirkland makes high-quality paper towels that people love. In fact, as of 2020, Kirkland was America’s highest-selling towel brand. In addition to being great for any job, Kirkland paper towels are also very affordable.

Kirkland Offers a Lot for a Great Price

Head down the aisle at Costco, and you’ll be amazed when you see the huge package of 12 rolls with 160 sheets per roll. These are create-a-size sheets so you can tackle any mess. They’re also two-ply, so they can handle anything. All-in-all, you’re getting 1,026 square feet of paper towel goodness.

Seventh Generation

Another great paper towel option for folks who love to clean messes while also helping the planet, we have Seventh Generation, which is one of the best in the game. This company is obsessed with saving the environment, which is why it makes all of its paper towels and other products out of plants.

Strong Paper Towels

Make no mistake. Just because the paper towels are plant-based, it doesn’t mean they can’t handle tough messes. The towels are thick and absorbent, and they do a great job even when they’re already wet. These paper towels don’t use any inks, dyes, or fragrances, so you’re not going to get a cute design on each sheet. But do you really need that? You can purchase them individually or as a six-pack.

Marcal

Finally, no list of high-quality paper towel brands would be complete without mentioning Marcal. You may not have heard of these before, so it’s time to get acquainted. This is another brand that claims to sell 100% recycled products, which helps your kitchen and the environment. This brand avoids the use of dyes or fragrances, is virtually lint-free, and is made in the United States.

Marcal Paper Products

The Marcal company does it all. They make paper towels, tissue, dispensers, and more. Though the paper towels are a bit more expensive when compared to other brands, they’re well worth a try. The towels are very absorbent, and they can be used time after time. Marcal is a great brand that may soon be your new favorite.

CrossWave OmniFind – Bissell

Price: $229.99

With the Bissell CrossWave OmniFind, you can vacuum and mop at the same time. It has 25 minutes of cordless cleaning power, so there is no need to have it plugged in. It features FurFinder headlights so you can easily find dirt and pet hair.

The Tangle-Free technology diminishes clogging and pet hair wrap. It also features two tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate. After you’re finished using it, with just a click of a button, the inside and brush rolls are cleaned with a self-cleaning cycle. 

Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum – Bissell

Price: $79.99

The Zing Canister Bagless vacuum is lightweight and weighs only 11 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around while you vacuum. It features an easy, empty dirt cup for hassle-free cleaning, and the cyclonic technology offers a strong, powerful, continuous suction along hard floors and carpets.

Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum – Eureka

Price: $82.45

The Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum makes cleaning super easy and weighs less than nine pounds. You can use it to vacuum tiles, wooden floors, rugs, and carpets. The robust brush rolls deep clean the carpets. Included is a set of tools that make cleaning upholstery, stairs, and hard-to-reach places easy. Furthermore, it comes with a one-year warranty.

J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum – Eureka

Price: $999.99

The J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum comes with an 8-in-1 multifunctional base that automatically refills the water, and hot water is used to mop and dry floors. It also has dock self-cleaning with battery changing, providing you with a hassle-free clean.

With a 16,200 Pa suction, it deep cleans floors and removes 99% of debris. Furthermore, it also features anti-hair tangling technology and is cheaper than the Dyson robot vacuum.

APEX Duo Clean Vacuum – Shark

Price: $449.99

The APEX Duo Clean Upright Vacuum removes debris, pet hair, dirt, and dust quickly. It can collect 1.5 qt of grime or dirt in the bag. You will experience outstanding cleaning performance with its powerful 1,350W motor. Furthermore, it includes a pet multi-tool, dual rotating brush bars, and a deep-cleaning motorized pet tool.

Clean & Empty Lightweight Cordless Vacuum – Shark

Price: $249

What is good about this vacuum is that the auto-empty dock is 1.3L and locks in 99.97% of dirt and debris. That means no more emptying every day; you can empty it once per month. It’s lightweight and can be transformed into a handheld cleaner. Furthermore, it has 40 minutes of run time, and it auto-adjusts to floor types.

CordZero A925 – LG

Price: $398

The LG CordZero uses compressor technology, so there is no need to stop and empty it. Next, it has two rechargeable batteries for an impressive 120 minutes of cleaning time. The portable charging stand allows you to store and charge it anywhere. Furthermore, it has removable, washable filters and a cyclone system. And multi-surface cleaning makes it perfect for pet owners.

CordZero A949 – LG

Price: $748

The CordZero A949 has 265 AW suction power, allowing you to tackle any surface. The smart inverter motor has a 10-year limited warranty, and you get up to 200 minutes of performance. When docked, it automatically empties the dustbin.

The dual floor max nozzle allows you to clean hard floors and carpets. Excitingly enough, it also converts to a spray mop so you can easily get rid of those stubborn stains. Included is the power pet nozzle so you can easily remove pet hair and more.

LVAC 200 – Levoit

Price: $149.99

This cordless stick vac has a tangle-resistant design and gets up to 50 minutes of power. It’s flexible and lightweight. Cleaning up pet hair is simple with the special 2-in-1 pet tool. The dusting brush can be used as a crevice tool for difficult-to-reach areas. Finally, the 5-stage filtration system catches 99.9% of dust.

Replacement Filter For LVAC 200 – Levoit

Price: $21.99

Original filters can be purchased. This set includes 2 post-motor and 4 pre-motor filters. This makes it affordable for you to replace and purchase.

WindTunnel – Hoover

Price: $129.99

WindTunnel technology offers better suction while multi-cyclonic filtration eliminates deep-down dirt and surface particles. It has versatile tools for hard-to-reach areas, corners, stairs, and upholstery. You will be happy with spotless floors from America’s most trusted brand.

ONEPWR WindTunnel – Hoover

Price: $222.75

With the multi-surface brush roll, you can easily switch between floor types. It’s impressive how quiet and powerful this vacuum is, and it also comes with special tools to convert it into a handheld vacuum for those hard-to-reach places. It features a ONEPWR battery system and can clean for up to 45 minutes.

22614 Pet Friendly – Kenmore

Price: $279.99

This lightweight vacuum has the best suction. The pet powermate feature that lifts dirt and stubborn pet hair quickly is great and it’s easy to clean and can be used on all types of floors. It has a 24’ retractable cord, and all accessories fit nicely into it.

600 Series – Kenmore

Price: $319.99

With a multipurpose w/swivel this vacuum cleans all surfaces. The 2-motor system has great suction power. It comes with a pop-n-go floor brush, 2-floor nozzles, and 3 additional attachments.

Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ – Dirt Devil

Price: $83.99

With the extended reach+, you can be sure your home will be spotless from floor to ceiling. It has a 4-level height adjustment and PowerPass technology and can clean both high- and low-pile carpets. It has a strong suction and a long cord and works wonderfully for a great price. 

BD57000V Cordless Stick – Dirt Devil

Finally, we have the lightweight, self-standing, cordless stick. Suitable for hard floors and carpets. It has a super powerful suction and LED headlights and can also be used as a hand vac. This vacuum is ideal for the elderly and those who struggle to lift heavy machines.

As previously mentioned, it’s always best to shop around and find a vacuum that suits your needs. While the Dyson is good, these 8 vacuum brands might be even better.

CrossWave OmniFind – Bissell

Price: $229.99

With the Bissell CrossWave OmniFind, you can vacuum and mop at the same time. It has 25 minutes of cordless cleaning power, so there is no need to have it plugged in. It features FurFinder headlights so you can easily find dirt and pet hair. The Tangle-Free technology diminishes clogging and pet hair wrap. It also features two tanks to keep clean and dirty water separate. After you’re finished using it, with just a click of a button, the inside and brush rolls are cleaned with a self-cleaning cycle. 

Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum – Bissell

Price: $79.99

The Zing Canister Bagless vacuum is lightweight and weighs only 11 pounds, so it’s easy to carry around while you vacuum. It features an easy, empty dirt cup for hassle-free cleaning, and the cyclonic technology offers a strong, powerful, continuous suction along hard floors and carpets.

Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum – Eureka

Price: $82.45

The Mighty Mite Canister Vacuum makes cleaning super easy and weighs less than nine pounds. You can use it to vacuum tiles, wooden floors, rugs, and carpets. The robust brush rolls deep clean the carpets. Included is a set of tools that make cleaning upholstery, stairs, and hard-to-reach places easy. Furthermore, it comes with a one-year warranty.

J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum – Eureka

Price: $999.99

The J15 Pro Ultra Robot Vacuum comes with an 8-in-1 multifunctional base that automatically refills the water, and hot water is used to mop and dry floors. It also has dock self-cleaning with battery changing, providing you with a hassle-free clean. With a 16,200 Pa suction, it deep cleans floors and removes 99% of debris. Furthermore, it also features anti-hair tangling technology and is cheaper than the Dyson robot vacuum.

APEX Duo Clean Vacuum – Shark

Price: $539.99

The APEX Duo Clean Upright Vacuum removes debris, pet hair, dirt, and dust quickly. It can collect 1.5 qt of grime or dirt in the bag. You will experience outstanding cleaning performance with its powerful 1,350W motor. Furthermore, it includes a pet multi-tool, dual rotating brush bars, and a deep-cleaning motorized pet tool.

Clean & Empty Lightweight Cordless Vacuum – Shark

Price: $249

What I like about this vacuum is that the auto-empty dock is 1.3L and locks in 99.97% of dirt and debris. That means no more emptying every day; you can empty it once per month. It’s lightweight and can be transformed into a handheld cleaner. Furthermore, it has 40 minutes of run time, and it auto-adjusts to floor types.

CordZero A925 – LG

Price: $398

The LG CordZero uses compressor technology, so there is no need to stop and empty it. Next, it has two rechargeable batteries for an impressive 120 minutes of cleaning time. The portable charging stand allows you to store and charge it anywhere. Furthermore, it has removable, washable filters and a cyclone system. And multi-surface cleaning makes it perfect for pet owners.

CordZero A949 – LG

Price: $748

The CordZero A949 has 265 AW suction power, allowing you to tackle any surface. The smart inverter motor has a 10-year limited warranty, and you get up to 200 minutes of performance. When docked, it automatically empties the dustbin. The dual floor max nozzle allows you to clean hard floors and carpets. Excitingly enough, it also converts to a spray mop so you can easily get rid of those stubborn stains. Included is the power pet nozzle so you can easily remove pet hair and more.

LVAC 200 – Levoit

Price: $149.99

This cordless stick vac has a tangle-resistant design and gets up to 50 minutes of power. It’s flexible and lightweight. Cleaning up pet hair is simple with the special 2-in-1 pet tool. The dusting brush can be used as a crevice tool for difficult-to-reach areas. Finally, the 5-stage filtration system catches 99.9% of dust.

Replacement Filter For LVAC 200 – Levoit

Price: $21.99

Original filters can be purchased. This set includes 2 post-motor and 4 pre-motor filters. This makes it affordable for you to replace and purchase.

WindTunnel – Hoover

Price: $129.99

WindTunnel technology offers better suction while multi-cyclonic filtration eliminates deep-down dirt and surface particles. It has versatile tools for hard-to-reach areas, corners, stairs, and upholstery. You will be happy with spotless floors from America’s most trusted brand.

ONEPWR WindTunnel – Hoover

Price: $222.75

With the multi-surface brush roll, you can easily switch between floor types. I like how quiet and powerful this vacuum is. Furthermore, it comes with special tools to convert it into a handheld vacuum for those hard-to-reach places. It features a ONEPWR battery system and can clean for up to 45 minutes.

22614 Pet Friendly – Kenmore

Price: $279.99

This lightweight vacuum has the best suction. I love the pet powermate feature that lifts dirt and stubborn pet hair quickly. It’s easy to clean and can be used on all types of floors. It has a 24’ retractable cord, and all accessories fit nicely into it.

600 Series – Kenmore

Price: $319.99

With a multipurpose w/swivel this vacuum cleans all surfaces. The 2-motor system has great suction power. It comes with a pop-n-go floor brush, 2-floor nozzles, and 3 additional attachments.

Multi-Surface Extended Reach+ – Dirt Devil

Price: $83.99

With the extended reach+, you can be sure your home will be spotless from floor to ceiling. It has a 4-level height adjustment and PowerPass technology and can clean both high- and low-pile carpets. It has a strong suction and a long cord and works wonderfully for a great price. 

BD57000V Cordless Stick – Dirt Devil

Finally, we have the lightweight, self-standing, cordless stick. Suitable for hard floors and carpets. It has a super powerful suction and LED headlights and can also be used as a hand vac. This vacuum is ideal for the elderly and those who struggle to lift heavy machines. As previously mentioned, it’s always best to shop around and find a vacuum that suits your needs. I loved my Dyson but these 8 vacuum brands are a better deal.

Clothing & Hygiene

If you’ve ever had a teenager, you know that fight that comes with getting them to brush their teeth twice a day, or to shower regularly. They often think that slipping on a new shirt and combing their hair is enough for the day, but as hard as it is, it’s our job as parents to teach them better.

Set a schedule with them for how often they will bathe or shower, and teach them about basic things like deodorant and dandruff. Make sure you leave the door open so they can communicate with you if they have questions. Teach them how to plan their outfits for the weather and how to do laundry on their own when they’re ready. Help them understand how important washing their face is. Oh, and one last one — teach them to clip their nails regularly.

It’s difficult, but if your child tries to walk out the door and their smell indicates they need a shower, it’s your job to tell them before they leave. If they have food in their teeth and it’s obvious they haven’t brushed, you need to let them know. Approach it cautiously and come up with a solution, because no kid wants to hear they need a shower right before they enter school, where they’ll worry about it all day.

Time Management

This one’s hard because even adults struggle with time management, and your kids are likely to mimic your habits. Good time management reduces stress and anxiety and makes them more productive. It helps them in every activity they participate in and affects more than academics and work.

Every child is different, so your teaching methods need to adjust. They’ll also manage time differently and prefer unique ways to be organized. Some may prefer a checklist while others shouldn’t be over-scheduled. Keep the dialogue open between your child as they age to help them determine the best way to manage their time. This is especially important when they become teenagers, as they are about to head out on their own.

Handling Failure

While there are messages everywhere that you can become anything you want if you work hard enough, the reality is that most kids are just people who will face achievements and failures throughout their lives. How they deal with those things is a huge part of their character. Some kids become withdrawn and angry when they’re disappointed, while others may turn to hyper-achievement.

Junior high and high school are places where it’s important to learn to deal with failure. They may not make every sports team they try out for, may not get every job they apply for, and may be rejected by friends at times. The key to this is teaching them how their “failures” teach them things and give them opportunities to grow. Help them understand that failure doesn’t define them. As they move on and recover from certain failures, remind them how they felt when it happened and how they came out of it. This will help them in the future as they face similar problems, and give them hope that they will recover one day.

Financial Literacy

There comes a time when credit scores and bank accounts are important to teenagers. It’s important that they learn how to earn money, how to budget it, and how to responsibly spend it. While schools make an effort to teach financial literacy to students, the real responsibility lies with parents. Paying rent and tuition is difficult, and shouldn’t be the first financial situation your kids face.

Start early with basic financial concepts. Teach budgeting and set savings goals with them. Use real-life examples when you’re grocery shopping or buying new furniture. When they’re young, give them an allowance with clear directives and boundaries. Encourage them to work when they can so they can know the sense of achievement that comes with earning their own money. Push them to come up with creative ways to earn money like selling used clothing on reseller sites, babysitting, or mowing lawns. And while it can be difficult, sometimes they need to struggle to remember how important a job is and how much they enjoy having their own money to spend.

Interpersonal Communication

Communication styles are crucial to relationships. If your child learns the wrong way to communicate, it can affect their entire life. Teaching your kids how to communicate early means they avoid bad habits and misunderstandings that affect school, friendships, and the workplace.

Each child’s communication style is different, but there are basic facets of healthy communication you can teach them. Teach them to make eye contact when appropriate. Discuss emotions and how to respond to them. Teach them the difference between sympathy and empathy, and how to handle those feelings. Be a good role model for your kids with your own communication and mimic the behavior you teach them. At the same time, understand their limitations based on age, personality, and learning ability. Teach them how to actively listen and be invested in what others are saying.

If your child has a disability, tailor your lessons to their ability. Eye contact is difficult for some kids while others can’t put emotion into words. Be patient with them as they learn the best ways to communicate.

Critical Thinking

The new generation of kids has access to more information than they know what to do with. This can make it difficult to sort through the noise and figure out what’s true and what’s not. As media engages and people become more polarized, it’s more important than ever to understand how to think critically and decide for themselves what is real.

Teach your children what sources are reliable and which are not. Ask them open-ended questions and have a conversation with them about the answers and how they came to them. Open up difficult topics and be willing to take the time to talk to them. Encourage them to read from different sources and learn how to debate healthily. When they’re asked to debate, they have to deep dive into an issue and learn more about it.

Encourage creativity and new ways of thinking. Look for diverse perspectives where you can find them and teach your kids why they’re valuable. When they have problems or questions, don’t intervene immediately, but give them time to find answers and solutions on their own, and then discuss that with them.

When to Change the Sheets and More

There are many basic life skills and housekeeping tasks kids don’t automatically know. How to make basic meals, how often to change their bedding, how often to vacuum, how to sort laundry piles, and when to clean a bathroom, are some pretty simple examples. Before your kids leave the house, make sure they understand the intricate tasks that make a household run.

The best way to do this is to engage your kids in everyday activities and tasks from the time they’re young. If you didn’t start young, don’t worry. It’s never too late to teach a kid how to scrub a toilet or make spaghetti. Make an intentional effort to involve them and it’s often a positive learning experience for both of you.