20 Ways Kids Can Help Around the House This Summer

It doesn’t matter if you’re a parent, grandparent or a babysitter. Chances are, over the summer months you are going to hear the dreaded “I’m bored” complaint from the kids at least once. I know personally I will hear it almost hourly some days.

When kids are bored, the best thing we can do is help them to find positive ways to channel that energy. Aim for activities that will give them a job to do or a task to complete, that is age dependant. For me I can’t ask Jacob to do that same job as Joshua.

There are many ways that your kids can help you around the house this summer. The truth is, giving your kids tasks to complete and chores to help with will give them an amazing sense of responsibility and accomplishment and at very least, limit their complaints of boredom.

1. Rake or tidy the lawn or garden – Kids can help by raking up debris and leaves off the lawn or if you have no lawn you could get them to pick up the toys or generally give it a sweep if you don’t have grass.
2. Water the garden or plants – Allowing little ones to water the garden gives them a sense of purpose and when they see the flowers growing they will feel accomplishment in their task. We have sunflowers Joshua is currently growing and I know he is going to enjoy this task and seeing his sunflowers growing.
3. Pet Tasks – Taking the family dog for a walk, even if it’s just around the block, is a big responsibility but an enjoyable one, or how about cleaning out the guinea pigs?
4. Wash the car – Turn on some tunes and have your little ones give the car a good wash. It’s a great way to spend time together.
5. Clean windows – Children can help to keep windows clean.
6. Plant seeds – Planting a garden can be such an amazing experience for children, especially when they start from seed. This way they get to watch their garden grow from start to finish.
7. Hang out Laundry – For older kids why not get them to hang out the washing on the line outside.
8. Clean garden furniture – Give your children a sponge and a bucket with soapy water and have them wipe down the patio/lawn furniture.
9. Take out the rubbish – If the rubbish bag isn’t too heavy, your little ones can help to take it outside to the bin or even help take the bin to the pavement ready for emptying.
10. Tidy up garage or shed – Garages and sheds are great places to store your outdoor items, and it can get a little chaotic over those warmer months. Make sure your kids take the time to keep it clean and organized.
11. Wash the patio/deck – Give your little ones the hose and let them go wild cleaning off the patio or the deck.
12. Wash bikes – Bikes can get mucky from all that rough terrain your kids tackle. Have them get a bucket full of soapy water and give their bikes a wipe down. Don’t forget the wheels!
13. Clean outdoor toys – Outdoor toys can get grimy and dirty rather easily. Have the kids give them a good wipe down and rinse with the hose.
14. Make a simple picnic lunch – There is nothing quite as fun over those summer months as a picnic. Have the little ones pack a nice picnic lunch for the family.
15. Do a home improvement project – Does your fence need painting? Your kids can help. If you have any home improvement projects you are looking to tackle this summer, give them age appropriate tasks they can help with.
16. Pick up the post – Everyone likes getting mail! Get your child to retrieve it from the front door.
17. Do food prep for a BBQ – Children can help to prepare for a BBQ by setting the table, doing basic food prep and wiping down surfaces.
18. Bedroom tidying – Cleaning bedrooms is a sticky one with my kids but they are getting better at completing it. Jacob puts away his toys with help and Joshua puts his toys away and makes his bed.
19. Sweep grass clippings up – After cutting the grass, there are usually lots of clippings spread all over the walkways and patios. Have your kids sweep up that mess.
20. Tidy up lawn tools – When you are done doing the gardening, have the little ones help to clean the tools and put them away.

There are many tasks that your children can help you with over the summer. Avoid the “I’m bored” complaints and give them some jobs to do to help around the house this summer break.

Do you have tasks you give to your kids when they say they are bored? Why not tell me in the comments below.