Kiddipedia
Kids are easily bored when they’ve got free time on their hands, and the last thing you want is them complaining all weekend when you’ve got jobs to do. Give this 3-step guide a try and not only can you get them involved in the household chores, you can all have some great fun at the same time.
Step 1: Start the day in a fun way
A good way to start the day by interacting and getting the kids to be productive is having them help with breakfast. Sometimes it’s as easy as making a game out of them getting their own bowl or plate and spoon, but you might have to be a little more creative. Kids love using their imaginations, so coming up with fun names for healthy breakfasts like porridge, eggs, and smoothies can make them seem more appealing. How about getting an assortment of fruit and getting them to decorate their porridge?
Smoothies can also be really fun to make, and a good way of sneaking in goodness from the outset. Let them help prepare the fruit and sling it into the blender, and give them the responsibility of pressing the button. Whilst it’s blitzing, a little ‘whizzer’ dance in time to the machine’s pulses will bring a smile. The key is to be interactive, keep it light and fun, and allow your child to get stuck in.
Step 2: Chore challenges
A wise woman once said, ‘With every job that must be done there is an element of fun, you find the fun and snap! The job’s a game!’ The more you can make chores seem like play, the more engaged the kids will be. Perhaps you could set time challenges for them to gather up their washing or make a puzzle out of your laundry by getting them to sort clothes by colour. Tidying up their toys can be a game in itself if you can get imaginative with it!
The other thing to keep in mind is that young kids model behaviour and will want to help as long as there’s something in it for them. Though keep in mind they can’t get too used to that idea. The excitement of being able to use the vacuum cleaner, the responsibility of being the one to press the washing machine button, or the novelty of using a bright yellow cloth to do the dusting can be harnessed to keep things interesting.
You can even use the opportunity to speak to your kids about the importance of cleanliness. Maybe leave out the part about how dust mites thrive in dusty spaces, but let them know that dust makes you sneeze, and sneezing is no fun. Speaking of the dusting, there’s no harm in you knowing how to get rid of dust mites.
Step 3: Outdoor Fun
If it’s a nice day there’s no reason why you should all stay inside. Make the most of their pent-up energy by letting the kids outside to help out with some gardening! You probably won’t be letting them operate the lawnmower, but there’s plenty else they can do to help out. For one, they can certainly be part of the tidying up, but remember, it’ll have to be fun.
Try placing the waste bin at one end of your garden and make a race out of how quickly they can get weeds or lawn clippings from A to B; competition can work really well as long as you manage it so there are no frustrated tears. Given that it’s the right season for it, buy some plant and flower seeds from your local garden centre and give the kids a little science lesson as you show them how to grow and care for plants.
Washing the car is another task that kids really enjoy. Again, they love modelling behaviour and will probably enjoy that activity anyway, but throw in the odd water fight and they’ll love it. Letting them use the hose to rinse off the soap is another great way of getting them motivated; just make sure you’re close by to hold the hose if need be.
From making healthy breakfasts together, doing some tidying, even learning how to get rid of dust mites with that bright yellow duster, there’s plenty that can be done to make household chores more interesting for kids. Give this 3-step guide a try and look forward to a fun and productive family weekend!
Image: https://unsplash.com/photos/ZBkH8G4_yyE
Photo by Hannah Tasker on Unsplash
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