This week my girl is learning more about Earth Day at school. She came home yesterday saying that if we turn the water off while brushing our teeth (something we already do), we can save 18 gallons of water. At least, I think that’s what she said, it’s hard to remember the exact number she gave me. I think it’s great that she learn more about little things we can do to help save resources and love that she’s so excited about what they’re learning.

In celebrating Earth Day and learning more about it, their teacher is doing a variety of activities with them this week, including reading The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. We also have a copy of the book here at home, thanks to Walmart and Seventh Generation, who have asked us to try out some of their products in an effort to spring clean like the Lorax. I admit that I don’t regularly use planet-conscious cleaning supplies, so I took this opportunity to do so and see how well they work.

But, besides the cleaning challenge, I thought this was more of a good opportunity to read The Lorax with my daughter and talk with her about the story’s message. Something they’ve been doing in class recently is discuss the meaning behind books they read and explore why the author wrote the story. After reading The Lorax with my baby girl, I asked her just that – “Why do you think Dr. Seuss wrote this book?” Her response: “So people would care more about trees and not chop them down so much.”

We discussed further and thought of things we can do to help the planet more, like making sure we turn off lights and electronics when not in use or reusing jeans if clean and only worn once. These are simple things, but they are things she can easily do and feel proud of, much like using friendlier cleaning products.

Using the Seventh Generation products was much like using any other product. I haven’t tried them all just yet, but did get a chance to use the dish-washing liquid and disinfecting wipes. In fact, baby girl liked the lavender/mint scent of the dish liquid.

Have you read The Lorax with your children? Do you believe they get the message of the book? What about Seventh Generation products – have you ever used them?

Disclosure: As a member of the Walmart Moms program, ModernMami™.com was compensated for this post. As always, all opinions, ideas, and stories are our own.

Photo: Cielo de la Paz/Flickr

Growing up, spring cleaning is something I remember my mom doing each year. Mind you, my mom always kept a clean house and that I can remember, nothing was ever out of place. But, when spring came around, she broke out the extra cleaning duties that weren’t in her normal cleaning routine. This is when she removed the cushions from the couch to wash the covers, put mattresses out in the sun, cleaned the window screens, and went into every corner of the house to be sure not a speck of dust stayed behind.

I don’t know how many of you partake in true spring cleaning rituals each year, but it’s not something I really do. We clean regularly, but don’t have specific “spring cleaning” duties we do around this time of the year. I realize many of you are preparing to get through your spring cleaning list soon, and may be wondering how to get everything done with the kids around. Whether on the weekend or during the week, if your kids are around while you’re trying to clean, you know sometimes they do more harm than good. It seems like they always find a way to keep you from making progress and get the cleaning done, doesn’t it?

It doesn’t matter whether you’re going down your spring cleaning checklist or just doing regular cleaning at any other time of the year, it helps to know how your kids can help with the cleaning. Here are some ideas I’ve previously shared.

Tips for Spring Cleaning with Young Children

• Chores for Preschoolers: Kid-Friendly List of Chores Your Child Can Do
• How Preschoolers Can Help With Laundry
• Clean Up Game for Young Children

Amazingly, kids can have a lot of fun with cleaning if you make it a game. I know my girl is eager to help us clean and loves being challenged to complete her tasks in a specific time period, in a certain way, or just having fun with her chores. Sometimes, you don’t even have to create a game out of it; kids just want to be involved. I find that simply including my girl in a task pleases her. This means that we can just have a conversation as we do our chores and she’s glad to help because it means we’re spending time together.

What are some ways you make spring cleaning fun in your house?

Disclosure: This story is sponsored by Hallmark through their Life is a Special Occasion campaign. As always, all stories and opinions are my own. To receive special offers and discounts from Hallmark, sign up for their e-newsletter!