5 Ways to Turn Kids' Chores into Games

Who knew chores could be so fun?Does your child help out around the house? Most people agree that giving kids chores is a great idea. Iit gives children responsibility and ownership and boosts self-esteem, in addition to keeping the house in order. But the benefits of chores are hard to see when you've just made your bed, taken out the trash, or swept up the kitchen. Sometimes it can help to switch things up a bit and make chores, well … fun! Here are 5 ways to turn cleaning up into a game.




Handy Duster1. Handy Duster
Who says that the white glove treatment is the way to go? Put a pair of mismatched or old white socks on your child's hands and have him walk around wiping surfaces! Your child will think it's hilarious, and you can turn it into a fun game. Which hand will gather more dust? Place your bets!






Sock Match-Off2. Sock Match-Off
When the laundry's done, have your child match as many socks as possible in 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, count all the matched pairs together! Keep a note of each time to see if they can beat their record.







Related: 10 products that turn cleaning time into fun time


Recycling Run 3. Recycling Run
This one's great for siblings! Have kids race-walk down the hall (or out the door!) to see who can get to the recycling bin fastest without dropping anything! Younger kids can join the fun by sorting plastic containers and newspapers to prepare for the recycling.







Laundry Basketball 4. Laundry Basketball
This one's a classic that never gets old. Ask your kid to pick up the laundry strewn around his room and see if he can throw his clothes into the laundry basket. Make sure to tally up points for each "basket" he makes.






Related: The most ridiculous kids toys ever made (what were they thinking?!)


Stuffed Toy Line-Up 5. Stuffed Toy Line-Up
Why not have your child organize the stuffed toys all in a row according to height, color, or from a category such as Most Favorite to You're Heading to Goodwill. The result is a tidier room!






- By Marinka
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