Perhaps older kids can be sent off to educational camps so that they can learn and have fun at the same time. The same cannot be said of the younger scholars who have come home for the school holidays and aren’t old enough to be taken on camping trips!
Getting the youngsters to help around the house with little chores does not constitute child labour. It merely shows children the meaning of diligence when they are praised for helping around the house. From these experiences, children learn the value of earning their keep too.
Holiday Greeting Cards
On a rainy day when children have to be kept indoors, keep them busy with writing greeting cards and addressing envelopes. This is a sensible way of encouraging the kids to practise their A-B-Cs. It also teaches them good manners by showing gratitude if it happens that they are writing thank-you cards!
Turn Out the Shed for Science Project Materials
Each time the shed is turned out to be cleaned, there are always junk items to be found that are deemed “treasures” to the children. Get them to dig out or stack up little items and list them down, if possible. Uncover unused items that entertain the possibility of being a part of their next science project or show and tell session.
Helpful Little Workers
Let the youngsters earn their keep by working in the garden! These earnest little workers will be clamouring for chores and complete them with gusto; albeit with some assistance from Daddy or Mommy. Set them minor tasks such as:
- Pulling out of garden weeds. Be sure to teach them the difference between a treasured bloom and a wild weed!
- The little carwash helpers. The young ones can help dampen the wheels before the adult takes over with car shampoo. Look out for they might have more fun hosing down everybody around them with water!
- Becoming assistant chefs. Children love to help out in the kitchen, especially when it concerns messing up the area! Lay out the ingredients for a cookie dough recipe and let the good times roll!
Make the kids feel important with their own responsibilities and tasks for the day. Set them school holidays tasks around the house or garden and in the process, they will learn the value of earning their keep. This is aside from the fact that having helpful little “elves” around the house and compound is a joy to behold by all parents!
Janice Kou - I have a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, majoring in Public Relations. My qualifications in the field of mass communications ...
