The third grade was quite the journey for my daughter. Her days stretched longer, homework piled up, and she faced the daunting reality of standardized testing for the first time. By the end of the year, however, she felt accomplished and proud of her efforts, eagerly anticipating her summer break.
This summer, aside from a few swimming lessons and some camp days, we’ve kept our schedule wide open, which we both appreciate. But lounging around all day? Not an option.
I wouldn’t call myself a strict parent; I’d say I’m just a sensible one. It’s not healthy for a bright and energetic 10-year-old to spend all day on the couch playing video games. Without a little encouragement, I know that’s exactly what she’d choose to do.
So, I’ve come up with a list of chores and projects to keep her engaged. She already handles daily tasks like clearing the table, putting away her clothes, and tidying her room, but this list aims to make her a more active contributor to our home. It’s still a work in progress, but here’s what we have:
- Declutter for a Yard Sale
It’s time for a good old-fashioned declutter. We’ll sift through every closet and hidden corner of the house, getting rid of items we no longer need. In the past, I tackled this alone, but this year, my tween is in on the action. The best part? She gets to keep the profits from her sales. - Babysitting with Supervision
With an adult present, my daughter can help care for her younger sibling while I tackle my own tasks. They can enjoy their time together, and I can have a moment of peace knowing she’s responsible enough to help out. - Family Archiving
My mom recently sent me boxes filled with old family photos. Sorting and deciding which to keep or send to relatives is a big task, and my daughter will find it both interesting and educational to participate in this project. - Deep Cleaning
Some chores never seem to get done, mainly because they’re tedious. Thankfully, my kids actually enjoy cleaning with warm, soapy water. Giving them the task of wiping down baseboards and walls not only gets the job done but also keeps them occupied. - Learn to Cook Simple Meals
She’s already mastered pouring cereal and juice, so why not take it a step further? This summer, she’ll learn to make her own sandwiches and snacks — maybe even whip up something for me too! - Help with Yard Work
From sweeping leaves to watering plants, yard work is a great way for her to get exercise and learn responsibility. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy nature and help lighten my load. - Car Wash Time
My kids love splashing around with water, so why not channel that into washing the car? It’s a fun way for them to play while also getting something useful done. - Sewing Projects
She learned to sew at a young age and still finds joy in mending clothes and sewing buttons. With some guidance, I’m excited to see her tackle the growing pile of items that need mending. - Handyman Skills
My kids are naturally curious about how things work, so this summer, my daughter will learn practical skills like changing lightbulbs and assembling furniture. If she wants a new bookshelf, she’ll feel great knowing she helped build it.
As with any parenting endeavor, I know this won’t go perfectly. I’m not a flawless parent, and my kids have their moments too. But by maintaining a positive outlook, I’m hopeful we can make this work. So far, my daughter has helped in creating this list, making her more invested in completing the tasks.
These chores are about more than just keeping my daughter busy; they’re instilling a sense of pride and responsibility that will serve her well in the future. And lest she forget, no chores mean no video game time, ice cream runs, or pool trips.
Got it, kiddo?
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Summary
This summer, keep your tween engaged and responsible with a structured list of chores. From decluttering for a yard sale to learning basic cooking skills, these tasks encourage independence while contributing to the household. Involving your child in such activities fosters responsibility and pride, ensuring they remain active and engaged throughout the summer months.