When I was a kid, on Saturday mornings (after cartoons, of course) we did chores for my mom. We had a personal list of tasks to complete, which included things like tidying your room, emptying the dishwasher, cleaning the sink, etc. Nothing too difficult, but as they say, many hands make light work. And now I have a kid of my own and I see how smart my mom was. With four kids who can blame her for enlisting some help? Once the weather got warmer, (hello spring!) we would have backyard chores on the list too. This was my favorite because we got to be outside and I would do just about anything to get out of the vacuuming. Here are some ideas to help get the whole family outside this Spring.
1. Pulling Weeds
What an easy and simple way to keep that yard clean while teaching our children responsibility. Just make sure your are overseeing so you don’t have any flowers pulled out along with the weeds by overzealous hands!
2. Sweeping
Currently my toddler has an obsession with sweeping, so much so I had to go get her own broom for fear of my TV screen. Luckily, it comes in super useful when the patio needs to be swept, so I send her outside and she sweeps to her hearts content. Now, I know she may not always be so willing to sweep for fun, but its a good habit to install in her while she is young.
3. Watering
If you have a lot of potted plants or flower beds, they will need watering regularly. Get the kiddos their very own watering can to make it more fun, or allow them the special task of using the hose. Whatever gets them excited about helping complete the task.
4. Cleaning Backyard Play Equipment
After a long winter the backyard equipment is in need of a good wipe down and a bit of sprucing up so play time can commence. Get a bucket of soapy water, some cloths and get the cleaning started. If spring weather has really hit, you can even throw on those swimsuits and turn your backyard into a splash zone.
5. Plant New Flowers
Make a whole experience out of it and have the kids help you pick out new plants and flowers to put in the yard. Then get them involved in the planting and potting. You could even give each kid a pot of their own to look after that they have to water and care for. They will be so excited to see what all their hard work did when the flowers start to grow and bloom.
6. Collecting Fruit/Vegetables
Do you have a garden or vegetable patch? My little girl loves to pick lemons off her Grammies tree. Get the kids to help pick and collect whatever fruits and veggies you have growing, then bring them inside and show them how to wash and prepare them for eating. It not only teaches them responsibility but also about where our food comes from.