Getting Your Kids Involved in Outdoor Chores

With spring soon approaching, you will probably be planning to tackle a number of chores in the backyard.  Perhaps you are even thinking of doing some spring cleaning in the garage.  If so, here are some tips for getting your kids involved in outdoor chores.

You may want to begin to clean your flower beds; maybe start a compost pile; and generally prepare your backyard for additional planting such as an herb garden.  Make a list of all of the tasks you have to accomplish, and assign each member of your family one chore to handle if they're mature enough, or use a buddy system with younger children helping an adult or older child.

* Assign an older child to rake the leaves; and have younger children put them into a bag.  Of course, the temptation to stomp on the leaves before they put them in the bag will be strong!
* Have another child help you clear out the flower beds, or help you pull weeds.
* Have each member of your family help you spread the mulch.
* Have the kids start a compost pile.
* Maybe dad and son may want to build a new birdhouse.
* You may decide to put a rock border around your flower bed.
* One of the children can accompany dad to buy fertilizer.

There are probably more chores you can think of to assign to each family member. Depending upon the weather, of course, working in the backyard or garden allows your kids to not only have fun, but become involved in every aspect of planting. Perhaps your daughter would like to plant some special flowers.

The more you involve your kids, the easier it will be getting your kids involved in outdoor chores. They will not only have the opportunity to see the backyard come to life, but will begin to appreciate nature as well. And have some fun with it. Invite some friends and have a bonfire or cookout when you're done, or take everyone out for pizza as a reward.