Making chores fun for kids
In some families, kids have just one job and that’s to study. However, the danger of this is that young adults end up at college unable to cook a simple meal or wash their own socks. That can be an expensive (and smelly!) problem.
As such, it helps to have children learning simple household tasks. The easiest way is to start them young, and to make it as hassle-free as possible. One way is to harness the imagination of tiny tots and to turn simple tasks into fun activities.
Mix and match sock laundry
Put out a pile of clean socks and have the kids play “Snap” by picking matching socks. For older kids, have them fold t-shirts and pile everything in the cupboard or drawer according to colour.
If you’ve competitive kids, you might want to time folding games. It’s fun but when they’re folding like Superman on laundry day, don’t expect neat lines!
Have an achievement chart
Children love to see their own progress as much as we do and there’s nothing that signals achievement than a chart with gold and silver stars! Kids get points for tidying, setting the table, washing their own cup and dusting. If you’re so inclined, set a rule that for every 10 points gained, the child is allowed a treat, such as deciding what the family will eat for supper.
Opt for smaller-sized items
Small fingers can’t handle grown-up things easily so make matters simple by buying a little duster, a toy broom and so on. Then play pretend games where kids get to have super powers and must deal with naughty volcanoes that have erupted toys over the bedroom floor.