Listen up, parents! You know all about the infamous challenge of getting your teenagers to do chores without eye rolls and dramatic sighs. While the sass isn’t one hundred percent preventable, there is a secret weapon to give them more incentive, like assigning chores that they might actually enjoy.
Yes, you read that right. Some of the easiest tasks to pass off to your kids take advantage of what they already like, such as walking the dog, washing the car, or helping you cook dinner. Buckle up and sit back to gain insight into how to turn these household jobs into an adolescent-approved adventure.
Taking the Dog for a Walk: Beneficial for You and Your Teen
If everyone in your family can only agree on one thing, it’s certain to be that you all share a favorite four-legged friend: your dog. Your pup deserves all the love and walks in the world, so why not turn his walkies into a responsibility that your teenager could have fun with?
You might need to paint the picture for everyone, but here’s a visual: your son or daughter can pop their earbuds in and listen to their favorite music or podcast as they stroll around the neighborhood with Fido. They can invite their friends to come along, or even chat with them on the phone about their weekend plans. Who knows… they may even learn to love this time and take their earbuds out to observe the world around them.
When your kid is out with the pooch, it also gives you a little peace in the house (and you know how hard this quiet time is to come by). Getting outside is a chance for your teenager to clear their minds, get some fresh air, and maybe even come back home with a little pep in their step… and even more willingness to help you with other chores. Just don’t tell them this last part… it’s a parent’s best-kept secret (shh!).
Turn Washing the Car into a Dance Party
Ah, the beloved family vehicle – the chariot that shuttles everyone to and from their various social engagements. If your adolescent is into cars or wants to earn the chance to borrow the van this weekend for their social activities, now is the time to turn washing the car into a team effort.
Fill a couple of buckets up with water, and make sure to bring enough soap, sponges, and car wax for every individual. Once you are all out in the driveway, crank some of your favorite tunes and grab the hose. There’s nothing like making cleaning into a dance party, and the entire clan can enjoy this activity together. P.S.: Don’t be surprised if you start to hear laughter and singalongs as a part of this magical sudsy adventure, either!
As your teenager takes on the role of car detailing extraordinaire, you might want to remind them about the importance of safety; not just for the car but for their entire well-being. It’s important to have an insurance plan that protects everyone in your family as each kid learns to drive, and if you’re on the hunt for new coverage, you may want to look into Freeway Insurance. They have a variety of plans that will protect all drivers and passengers, even if you don’t have a perfect driving record. For more info, visit one of their locations near you or hit up their website.
Make Meal Preparation a Chance for Quality Time
Do your children have an interest in cooking, baking, becoming a chef when they grow up, or even becoming a food influencer on social media? If so, the kitchen is the perfect place to get everyone excited about meal preparation (which also has the bonus of learning a valuable life skill).
Start with the easy stuff first; you don’t need to throw yourselves into the deep end of a gourmet recipe. Your teens can easily help you with chopping veggies, stirring the pot, or even being the official taste tester. Whatever tasks they assist with means that you also get the bonus of quality time together. Even if your teen scrunches up their nose at the thought of hanging with their annoying family, cooking and savoring meals together will give them many wonderful memories when it’s time for them to leave home.
Chore Success: A Kid-Friendly Approach to Household Tasks
Turning chores into activities your teenagers might take pleasure in is the secret sauce to a harmonious household. From walking the dog to washing the car and helping with meal prepping, these tasks contribute to the smooth running of the household and offer your children opportunities for personal growth and responsibility. So, go ahead and turn your household to-dos into bonding experiences, and watch the fun unfold!
