With virtual schooling and remote working, you may not be sure how you can get it all done… we wanted to send out a few ideas for activities kids can do at home that may also help the overall function of the household! Chores are not everyone’s favorite, but perhaps adding a little fun can help!
- Taking care of the family pet: Consider making a pet schedule to guide your child through the day. Tasks that could be included are feed, take outside, brush, walk, and play. Include a system for marking off the tasks and consider adding a motivator to completing (favorite book, game, place, snack, etc.).
- Taking care of yard or plants: Consider designating a certain watering can or plastic pitcher as your child’s to use for this activity. Perhaps they want to decorate it or decide where they are going to keep it. Giving them a chance to take ownership can sometimes help. Identify which plants or areas of the yard need to be watered. You can do this verbally or by placing out a card/sticky note that says “water me please!” on all that are in need and they can collect them as they go.
- Swiffer or microfiber skates: This may depend on what supplies you have. You can use any material that won’t wreck your floor and has collecting properties. Place two pieces of the material you have on the ground and have your child step one foot on each. They can “skate” around while collecting dust, pet hair, crumbs, etc.
- Cleaning mirrors, windows, or sliding glass door: This is actually a great activity for developing strength in the arm and shoulder girdle. Consider encouraging some time in each hand to assure time challenging each side!
- Mirrors: Spray with cleaner and having your child wipe it away to reveal their reflection. If you are working on body parts, you could have them name the body part that is revealed as they go.
- Windows/glass door: The same concept as above can be applied. Ask your child to wipe away the cleaner and call out what they see through the glass along the way. Another approach is playing I-Spy adding some distraction while they work!
- Stroller or laundry basket pick up: Have your child help pick up toys or other items that are laying around the house. They can push around a stroller or carry a laundry basket to fill as they go. You can turn it into a game by challenging them to pick up as many items as they can while a song plays. When the music turns off they must freeze and then count up the items (which may also be great practice for them depending on age/level). If possible you can utilize some healthy competition between siblings!
These tasks may take a little effort to set up, but if your child picks up the idea and has fun hopefully you will have to put in much less the next time and your child will want to continue being involved in family responsibilities!