Car need washing? Engaging with kids is about way more than games and craft activities. Involve them in everyday jobs because kids like to help, and they love being with you. Fresh air is especially welcome just now so why not find a shady spot and wash the car. Play clothes or togs, empty plastic containers, rags or cloths and a little detergent is all you need to make it sparkle. Play your favourite music on the radio, and tell them about the Beatles, or whoever. If you’re a parent of the musical kind, sing songs while the gang is working.
If it’s a warm day, chasing the kids with the hose or letting them run through a sprinkler is a fun way to finish off. You’re probably all wet anyway.
Once you get this, there’s no end of things kids can help with. Washing, dusting, scrubbing, vacuuming, sweeping . . . even little ones can join in. Their attention span is limited, and they’ll need a guiding hand, but letting kids know they can contribute is important, even if it’s just tipping the dustpan into the bin. Kid-size brooms and small buckets are cheap enough but you don’t need to buy extra stuff. What smaller versions of household tools do you have on hand? Small scrubbing brushes, a dustpan or cobweb broom rather than the full-size broom you use . . . Hi ho.
how to play with kids 