Ah, summer! The time for relaxation, fun, and—if you’re lucky—a break from the daily grind of school. But let’s face it, leaving your tween to lounge around all day can lead to some serious couch potato syndrome. Trust me, I’ve been there too! My son, Jake, recently finished a grueling school year filled with more homework than I ever had to do. So, when summer rolled around, I knew I needed a plan to keep him from turning into a permanent fixture on the sofa.
Now, I’m not a mean mom by any means. In fact, I consider myself to be quite the cool one! But I also understand the importance of keeping my energetic 12-year-old engaged and productive. So, I crafted a list of chores that would not only keep him active but also teach him a thing or two about responsibility. Here’s what we came up with:
- Declutter for a Yard Sale
Time for some spring cleaning—summer style! Jake and I are diving into our closets and gathering up items we no longer need for a yard sale. Not only will this help us tidy up, but Jake gets to pocket any cash he earns from selling his old toys and games. Win-win! - Babysitting Responsibilities
With a little adult supervision, Jake can take on babysitting duties for his younger sibling. This gives me a chance to tackle my own projects, knowing he’s keeping an eye on the little one. Plus, it’s a great way for him to build some caretaking skills. - Family Photo Organization
My dad recently sent over a bunch of old family photos, and it’s time to sort through them. This chore is perfect for Jake to join in on as we decide which pictures to keep and how to preserve the memories. It’s educational and a fun trip down memory lane! - Deep Cleaning
You know those chores that always get pushed to the bottom of the list? Yeah, those. I’m handing over the cleaning of baseboards, walls, and doors to Jake. He’ll get a bucket of soapy water and some rags—no more excuses for me! - Cooking Basics
This summer, I’m stepping up Jake’s cooking skills. He’s already mastered cereal and juice, so why not teach him how to make sandwiches or simple meals? He can even whip up lunch for me once in a while—it’s about time he learned how to fend for himself! - Yard Work
It’s a great way for Jake to get fresh air and exercise. He can help with tasks like watering plants, pulling weeds, and sweeping up leaves. Plus, it saves my back from all the bending! - Car Wash Duty
Jake and his brother love splashing around in water. So, why not put that to good use? I’m putting him in charge of washing the car. A little soap and a lot of laughter will make it a fun chore! - Sewing Projects
Believe it or not, Jake actually enjoys sewing! He can mend clothes and tackle the growing “needs mending” pile on my dresser. Supervised, of course, but it’s a handy skill for him to have. - Handyman Tasks
Jake is curious about how things work, so I’m teaching him some basic handyman skills. Whether it’s changing lightbulbs or assembling new furniture, he’ll feel a sense of accomplishment—and I won’t mind the help!
Now, let’s be honest: parenting isn’t always smooth sailing, and I don’t expect these chores to go off without a hitch. However, keeping a positive attitude and involving Jake in the planning has made a big difference. These tasks not only help around the house but also instill a sense of pride in contributing to our family.
And let’s not forget, if he doesn’t pitch in, there will be no video games, ice cream, or pool days! Got it, kiddo?
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In summary, getting your tween involved in chores this summer can be a fun and educational experience. Not only will it keep them active, but it will also teach them valuable life skills and a sense of responsibility. Plus, it gives you a little breathing room!