As parents gear up for summer, those calendars will begin to fill up with camps, playdates, and fun time in the sun. These are all great ways for kids to spend their summer. But have you thought about how you can make this summer more productive and impactful than prior summers? While three months of straight fun sounds great, why not work in time for kids to help around the house? (Because I’m sure you need all the help you can get!) Surprisingly, there are many chores your kids can do—even if they seem small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things.
Having your kids do chores has so many benefits. It not only teaches them accountability, but also the value of giving back and helping others. It also helps them feel what it’s like to be part of a team. Making sure your kids complete their chores consistently gives them an additional area in life to feel a sense of accomplishment and competence, outside of school and sports. According to The Center for Parenting Education, anyone in the household over four years of age should help with household chores. With so much free time on your kids’ hands during the summer, what better time to start a chore schedule?
Chores for older kids:
- Make their bed every morning.
- Wash dishes.
- Vacuum a couple of rooms.
- Set the table for dinner.
- Prepare an easy lunch for everyone (ex. sandwiches).
- Clean up their room.
- Sweep floors.
- Clean out the refrigerator.
- Wash and fold laundry (as an incentive, tell them they can watch a show while doing it).
Chores for the little ones:
- Make their bed every morning to the best of their ability.
- Put silverware away (except knives, of course).
- Vacuum with a lighter vacuum or dust buster.
- Set the table with napkins.
- Help with meal preparation by mixing, mashing, stirring, and washing.
- Tidy up; put toys away.
- Help wipe off counters.
- Put smaller grocery items away in the refrigerator.
- Fold small wash towels from laundry.
What are the latest trends on summer camps and activities for older kids? Read Hospitality Health’s ER blog here or like us on Facebook for the hot topics on parenting and family health.
