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Why Is Family Game Night Important?

By Gathered Again

Family game night is a time-honored tradition in many households. It’s a chance for families to come together and bond over some friendly competition. But it is more than just a fun way to spend an evening. It can also be an essential bonding experience that helps families build strong relationships. So if you’re considering starting a family game night tradition, you’re in the right place.

Why Should We Play Games Together As A Family?

There are many reasons why playing games together as a family is essential. Even more interesting is that those reasons can change as your family grows older.

For younger families, game time can promote basic motor skills. For example, you teach children to grasp game pieces and move them to specific places. Or, perhaps, you’re teaching children how to hold cards or deal from a deck of cards.

As your kids get older, the development becomes more brain-based. For example, you play strategy games that provide valuable practice time for strategic thinking and planning. They also offer opportunities to improve memory techniques.

How Can Playing Games Improve My Family Relationship?

It can help to promote bonding and togetherness. Family game night is a fantastic way to teach children cooperation, communication, and problem-solving. But, more importantly, it’s about family time. It also provides ample opportunity to have amazing conversations or even deep conversations.

What about school improvement? Studies are currently proving that children from families who are happier tend to do better in school. Of course, motivation in school can be challenging, but what if playing a few of your kid’s favorite games each month could change that?

In addition, playing together can be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time together as a family. So if you’re looking for a way to connect with your loved ones, consider playing some games together.

What If My Kids Don’t Want To Play Board Games?

If your kids don’t want to play board games, you can do a few things to incentivize them. One is offering something fun as a reward, like pizza or other favorite food. You can also try making the family game night a regular event and making it a tradition.

Finally, explain to your kids why it is important to you and how it can be beneficial for them. Give them a positive perception of this new family tradition. With a little effort, you should be able to get your kids to enjoy board games and spend some quality time with the family.

Benefits of Playing Board Games with your family

There are many benefits to playing board games with your family. They can help improve communication and problem-solving skills and can be a fun way to bond with your loved ones. It can also be an important opportunity to teach children about fair play and how to handle winning and losing gracefully.

In addition, it helps reduce stress and anxiety and can be a great way to unwind after a long day. So whether you want to improve your family relationships or have fun, board games are a great option.

Builds Communication Skills

Playing with your family is a great way to teach kids about communication skills. By playing together, you can help them learn how to be clear and concise in their communication. So not only will your kids have fun, but they’ll also learn essential life skills.

Improves Social Skills

Board games are a great way to improve social skills. If your kids are shy or slightly introverted, then board games can help them get comfortable being in social settings and being emotive because their mind is on the game and not on what people think about them. This can be a great way to connect with your kids and help them develop social skills.

Helps Children Develop Their Imagination

Playing helps children use their imaginations, think creatively, and solve problems. So why not make it a regular tradition in your family? They don’t “spoonfeed” the imagery and world as video games do. Instead, they require a certain amount of critical thinking on the player’s part. This can help children develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.

Encourages Creativity

Family game night is important because it encourages creativity. When children are allowed to be creative, they learn to think outside the box and develop new ideas. This valuable skill will help them in all areas of their life. In addition, it’s a chance to unplug from technology and have quality time together.

It’s A Great Family Bonding Time That Will Be Remembered For Years To Come!

Family game night is a great way to spend time together and bond as a family. It’s also a great way to teach kids essential life skills, such as cooperation, communication, and sportsmanship. In addition, it is a great way to relieve stress and have fun. So why not give it a try? You and your family will be glad you did.

How Do You Start A Family Game Night?

Family game night is a great way to spend time together and have fun. But what are the best ways to ensure everyone has a good time? Here are a few tips:

Choose The Right Games

First, choose suitable games. Make sure to select ones that everyone will enjoy and that are appropriate for the players’ ages. Family game night favorites include board games, card games, and role-playing games.

Choose A Day And Time (And Stick To It!)

Second, choose the day and time and ensure it doesn’t conflict with any extracurricular activities. This is a time for family, not for chaos. If things are disorganized, then it’s much more likely that family game night will become “that game night we did one time.” Many families choose to have a weekly game night to keep it easy to remember.

Make Sure Everyone Has Fun

Third, be flexible. If someone isn’t enjoying the game, try to find out why and if there are any other games they might want to try. If everyone has a good time, that’s the most important thing!

Let Each Other Win

If you have particularly young kids, it’s a good idea to let them win every once in a while. This will help build their confidence and increase their enjoyment of the game. But, of course, it’s also important to let them experience a loss, but if they lose every time, they’ll probably never want to play the game.

Great Games for Family Game Night

Family game night has many benefits, including bonding time, laughter, and learning. It’s a great way to get the whole family together and have some fun. Here are some games that are great for families:

Apples to Apples

Apples to Apples is a great family game for several reasons. First, Apples To Apples is a fun word game that is sure to give a laugh. Of the educational games, it’s one of my favorites. It teaches kids vocabulary, the differences between nouns and adjectives, creative wordplay, and creative comparisons.

Hoot Owl Hoot!

“Hoot Owl Hoot!” is a great cooperative game for families with young kids. In Hoot Owl Hoot, players work together to help the owls fly back to their nest before the sun comes up. Hoot Owl Hoot is simple to learn and can be played in about 20 minutes. It’s a great way to spend quality time together as a family. Also, it’s super adorable.

Monopoly

Monopoly is a classic that is perfect for family game night. It teaches kids about money and strategy and is fun for everyone. Of course, the rules can be a bit complex, so if you have younger children, you might opt for Monopoly Junior, which is much more friendly to younger kids.

Ticket To Ride

“Ticket To Ride” is a great family game for several reasons. First, Ticket To Ride can is enjoyed by people ages 8 and up (although they have a junior version too). Second, it allows between 2-5 players. Third, Ticket to Ride is a fun game that takes place in early America (depending on the version you get) and is an entertaining way to spend 45 minutes together as a family.

Final Thoughts

Family game night is vital for many reasons. First, it provides quality time for families to bond and connect. It also helps to teach children essential life skills, such as cooperation, communication, and how to handle winning and losing. Additionally, it can be a fun and stress-free way to unwind and relax after a long week. Whether you’re playing classic board games or trying out the latest party game, spending time with your loved ones is always valuable.

5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To E...
5 Fun Theme Parks For Families To Enjoy

160+ Dinner Conversation Starters for Families: Family Dinner Topics And Questions (From School to Family History)

By Gathered Again

Life just seems to get busier and busier. It’s easy to let work, school, and life get in the way of your relationships. Dinner is a perfect time for everyone to set aside technology and enjoy each other’s company. But here’s the tricky part: How do you start the fun family bonding?

You always want to ensure you’re having fun with your family. It’s even more critical as parents because you want to create memories that last a lifetime. Conversations can be a fun and engaging way to make those memories.

This guide will help you find excellent dinner conversation starters for families. We’ll cover everything from simple questions to deep philosophical discussions. And we’ll also share our top tips for making dinner conversations memorable.

Once you learn these top family dinner topics, you’ll never run out of ideas again. I’ve created a list of over 100 dinner conversation starter ideas to make your family dinners more enjoyable and strengthen your family bonds.

You’ll also learn how to get started with these topics and how to expand your repertoire. If you are ready to enjoy talking with your family, even more, grab a pen and paper and read on. We’ll dive deep into the topic of family dinner conversation starters.

How To Frame Your Family Dinner Conversation Questions

Before we get to the questions, I wanted to provide a few tips when choosing questions or thinking of your own. These tips are pretty simple but critical to your success.

Ask Only Relevant Questions

This might seem apparent initially, but remember that what you think happens in someone’s life and what is happening can be very different. For example, asking your kid about a class they aren’t taking will make you look disengaged in their life.

Frame Questions In A Positive Way

Positivity gets people to open up. Negativity makes people uncomfortable and shy. Instead of asking questions like “are you failing in any of your classes” ask questions like “which subject is your absolute favorite” or “if you had the power to get rid of any class, which class would it be?” It will make your family feel like you’re interested in them rather than interrogating them.

Throughout these questions, I’ve tried to frame all questions positively except for a few negative questions that won’t make someone defensive (like “which movie do you like least?”).

20 Conversation Starters About School

School is an excellent topic for conversation starters with your kids because everyone goes through school at some point. While some things might be different, many of the challenges of going through school are similar.

This common ground provides a natural place to bond with your family around the dinner table. You can offer informed advice and relate to stories from your own experience. This creates a safe environment for your kids to open up to you.

The critical thing you need to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t be too general. If you ask, “how was your day at school?” You’ll receive a simple “fine,” and that will be the end of the conversation. Here are some questions you can use to get some real conversation happening.

  1. “What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned in the last few days at school?”
  2. “Did any of your friends do anything funny recently?”
  3. “Tell me what a ride on the school bus is like. It’s been a while since I’ve been on one.”
  4. “Who is your favorite teacher right now?”
  5. “Which school subject are you doing the best in?”
  6. “What is your favorite memory about being in school?”
  7. “If you could make the school offer anything as a class, what class would you have them offer?”
  8. “What have you found is the best way to get along with other kids at school?”
  9. “How did you feel when you were told you had passed a test you thought you didn’t do well on?”
  10. “What is the hardest part of getting back into school after summer break?”
  11. “What is something you wish you knew before starting school?”
  12. “Describe to me what you think it was like to go to school when I was a kid?”
  13. “What is one thing you hope to accomplish this year at school?”
  14. “What do you think is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far at school?”
  15. “What do you think is your greatest strength at school?”
  16. “If there was one thing you could tell yourself before starting school, what would it be?”
  17. “What is an example of a time where you made a mistake but handled it well?”
  18. “What is the most challenging thing about school?”
  19. “What is the funniest thing you’ve seen happen at school?”
  20. “If you could get rid of one food in the school cafeteria forever, which one would it be?”

21 Conversation Starters About Future Plans

With life being so busy with deadlines, projects, and chores, it’s easy to forget that there is more to life than the “present.” We are all on journeys through life, and it’s good to think about where our destinations are.

Here are some questions to help your family start thinking about the future, not just for themselves, but for the family as a whole!

  1. “What do you hope to accomplish in the next five years?”
  2. “Are there any places you want our family to visit in the future?”
  3. “What are three landmarks you would love to see?”
  4. “If you could own any business, which one would it be?”
  5. “What do we need to work on right now to ensure we have a happy, healthy, successful family in the future?”
  6. “How can I make this year better than last year?”
  7. “What will we do when we retire? Where will we live?”
  8. “What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind?”
  9. “Who do you want to spend more time with?”
  10. “What does God want us to learn from this season of life?”
  11. “What are some things that you would like me to teach you in the future?”
  12. “What kind of jobs would you like to do?”
  13. “What would your dream job be if you could do anything?”
  14. “What things could you start doing today to get where you hope to be in the future?”
  15. “What are your friends’ hopes, dreams, and aspirations?”
  16. “If you could have three wishes or prayers granted, but they would only come true ten years from now, what would they be?”
  17. “50 years ago, the world was very different. How do you think the world will change 50 years from now?”
  18. “What changes do you think will happen in your lifetime?”
  19. “What would you like to see changed in the world?”
  20. “What is a task we have to do now that we will no longer need to do in the future?”
  21. “What do you think will be the coolest technological advancement ten years from now?”

14 Conversation Starters About Upcoming Events

It’s good to talk about upcoming events at dinner because it helps get your family excited about the event! Additionally, you can get everyone’s feedback about what they think should happen at the event. Quality conversations lead to even better quality time! That’s a win-win!

What kind of food do they want at the upcoming 4th of July party? Where do they want to go for winter vacation? Lots of good information can be had, and you get to enjoy the excitement of upcoming events before they even happen!

  1. “What are you looking forward to most about the 4th of July?”
  2. “What are three fun activities you’d like to do together this summer?”
  3. “Where should we celebrate the next birthday?”
  4. “What Christmas movies do you want to watch as Christmas approaches?”
  5. “What food should we have on the 4th of July?”
  6. “Where would you most like to go for your birthday dinner?”
  7. “What two things would you like to try this holiday season?”
  8. “What should we do on Mother’s Day?”
  9. “Which holiday are you looking forward to most?”
  10. “What are your top 3 favorite Thanksgiving desserts?”
  11. “If you could see a New Year’s Eve firework display anywhere in the world, where would it be?”
  12. “National Hot Dog Day is next Wednesday. What toppings would you have on your perfect hot dog?”
  13. “On the last day of school, what special things would you want to do?”
  14. “Who are you most excited to see at the upcoming family reunion?”

18 Conversation Starters About Traveling As A Family

Have you ever wanted to travel somewhere new but didn’t know where? Or maybe you just don’t know what places your family would enjoy visiting. Well, now is the chance to find out!

Travel planning is a fun activity for families to engage in together. It allows them to share their interests and desires while learning about each other’s interests and desires.

Here are some conversation starters about traveling:

  1. “What countries do you want to visit someday?”
  2. “Would you rather camp at the base of a snowy mountain or on the banks of a huge lake?”
  3. “What are some places you’ve always wanted to visit?”
  4. “What are five places you’d like to visit in the near future?”
  5. “Would you rather stay in a hotel or rent a house when traveling?”
  6. “What are five things you’ll never leave home without?”
  7. “Would you rather fly, drive, or rent an RV when traveling?”
  8. “Would you rather stay at a fancy hotel, rent an RV, or camp using tents?”
  9. “Would you rather relax on the beaches of Costa Rica or ski in the Swiss Alps?”
  10. “If you could go on a road trip anywhere, what would the destination be, and where would you want to stop along the way?”
  11. “Would you rather stay at an all-inclusive resort or go on a cruise?”
  12. “If you were going on a cruise, would you rather cruise through the arctic or tropical islands?
  13. “Would you rather spend time with friends or family when traveling?”
  14. “Are there any destinations that you’re not interested in visiting?”
  15. “If you were going on a cruise, what three things would you need to bring, besides clothes or toiletries?”
  16. “If you could only take one picture on our upcoming trip, what picture would you take?”
  17. “Would you prefer taking lots of pictures for the memories or just being in the moment, even if it means having no pictures of the trip?”
  18. “What is one food you would like to try in a different country?”

15 Conversation Starters About Family History

Family history is a fun activity for families to engage in together. It allows them to share their interests and desires while learning about each other’s interests and desires.

Here are some conversation starters about family history:

  1. “What is one piece of our family history you’re not sure about?”
  2. “Do you have any photos from our family’s past?”
  3. “What are five things you would like to learn more about your family’s history?”
  4. “What is the most interesting family heirloom that we own?”
  5. “What is one family tradition that you would like to start?”
  6. “What is your earliest memory?”
  7. You can discuss any exciting discoveries about your family’s genealogy.
  8. Discuss a specific member of your family’s lineage.
  9. Discuss information about different countries your family originates from, including what the country was like when your ancestor lived there.
  10. Talk about laws during the time your ancestors were alive and how those laws might have impacted them and your family tree.
  11. What are some of the customs and holidays that your ancestors might have done or celebrated?
  12. What civic groups did your ancestors participate in, and what were their goals?
  13. Share newspaper clippings you can find about your family members.
  14. Did your ancestors start any kind of charity or volunteer to make the world a better place? You can discuss their story to help inspire selflessness in your family.
  15. Do you have any authors in your family tree? Perhaps obtain their book and read some of it at dinner if you can.

17 Conversation Starters About Your Family Pets

Pets are a constant source of fun and affection. They’re also a perfect topic to add some light-hearted fun to a family dinner conversation.

Here are some conversation starters about pets:

  1. “What is the silliest thing you’ve seen our pet do?”
  2. “Would you rather have a cat, dog, or a bird? Why?”
  3. “If you could have any exotic animal as a pet, which animal would you choose?”
  4. “If you had a pet tiger, what would you name it, and what tricks would you want to teach it?”
  5. “What is the best thing about having a pet?”
  6. “What is the worst thing about having a pet?”
  7. “What is the best pet trick that you have ever seen?”
  8. “If you could dress your pet up as any celebrity, which celebrity would that be?”
  9. “If your pet were in a movie, which movie do you think they’d fit best in?”
  10. “What song describes your pet best?”
  11. “What is the silliest pet costume that you have ever seen?”
  12. “What is the best way to show your love for your pet?”
  13. “What is the funniest pet video you’ve ever seen?”
  14. “Which do you think is smarter, a dog or a cat?”
  15. “Which breed of dog do you think is the cutest?”
  16. “Which breed of dog do you think is the most intimidating?”
  17. “What kind of pets will you want when you’re older?”

15 Conversation Starters About Your Family’s Favorite Things

This section is all about finding out all of your family’s favorite things. This is a great way to get to know your family members. This will also give you ideas for arranging more quality time opportunities. Knowing favorites will help you plan holiday meals, birthday parties, and other important events and celebrations.

  1. “What is your favorite family tradition that we do?”
  2. “What is your favorite holiday?”
  3. What are your top favorite foods?”
  4. “What is your favorite song?
  5. “What is your favorite music genre?”
  6. “What is your favorite family memory?
  7. “What is your favorite season and why?”
  8. “What is (or would be) your favorite family vacation destination?”
  9. “What is your favorite family activity to do together?”
  10. “What is your favorite movie of all time?”
  11. “Who is your favorite movie character?”
  12. “Who is your favorite cartoon character?”
  13. “Who is your favorite book character?”
  14. “Who is your favorite biblical figure?”
  15. “What is your favorite time period?”

13 Conversation Starters About Games

Games are not only great for entertaining your family, but they’re also a source of conversation that people are enthusiastic to talk about. They can be something that you all share in common or something that is specific to one member of the family.

Here are some conversation starters about games:

  1. “What is the best game that you have ever played?”
  2. “What is the worst game that you have ever played?”
  3. “Which is better, Rock, Paper, Scissors, or Tic Tac Toe?” Afterward, you can challenge the whole family to a game.
  4. “Do you prefer playing games or watching people play games?”
  5. “Do you have any favorite games you want to share with us?”
  6. “Which games would make for a great family game night?”
  7. “What is your best memory of playing your favorite game?”
  8. “Do you get to play your favorite games with your friends, or are they more 1-player games?”
  9. “Do you prefer board games, word games, or video games?”
  10. “If you could make any game into a movie, which game would you pick, and what would the movie plot be?”
  11. “If you could only play one game for the rest of your life, which game would it be?”
  12. “What is better, word searches or crosswords?”
  13. “What book or movie should be turned into a game?”

16 Conversation Starters About Movies

Movies are a thread that ties together many generations. While you may not be up-to-date on the latest actors, the stories in modern movies are often very similar to movies you enjoyed as a kid. Another great thing about movies is that people tend to be passionate about their favorites.

Here are some conversation starters about movies:

  1. “What is your favorite movie?”
  2. “What is the worst movie that you have ever seen?”
  3. “What is the best movie that you have ever seen?”
  4. “What is the most popular movie that you know of?”
  5. “Which movie do you think would make for a great family movie night?“
  6. “What is your favorite scene from a movie?”
  7. “If you could be any character in any movie, which character would you want to be?”
  8. “Which character in a movie do you think is most like you?”
  9. “Which two heroes from any movies do you think would make excellent partners in a new movie?”
  10. “Have you ever wanted to make a movie? If so, what would it be about?”
  11. “If you could replace the actor/actress in any movie, which actor/actress would you replace and why?”
  12. “If you could change any movie plot, which movie plot would you change and why?”
  13. “What’s the biggest mistake you’ve ever noticed in a movie?”
  14. “If you could remake any movie using animals, which movie would you remake and which animals would you use?”
  15. “What is your favorite movie about animals?”
  16. If any book could be turned into a movie, which book would you choose?”

12 Silly Conversation Starters

A family meal wouldn’t be complete without some laughs and silliness. Here are some silly and funny conversation starters to bring out the laughs in your family.

  1. “If you could have any superpower that isn’t useful, what superpower would you choose?”
  2. “If you could use a time machine to go back in time and blow people’s minds with something, what time period would you travel to, and what would you show or tell them?”
  3. “What three foods should you never bring to a family picnic?”
  4. “You are mistaken as a tour guide for the Statue of Liberty. Do your best to make up facts and give a fake tour.”
  5. “Make up the grossest meal you can think of.”
  6. “The police pull you over for speeding; what’s the worst excuse you can think of?”
  7. “You are judging the ‘worst talent show on earth.’ What is the winner’s talent?”
  8. “You are traveling back to the 1700s; what three items would you bring?”
  9. “Starting with the first letter of your first name, what words describe your mom?”
  10. “If you turned on the faucet and could have anything come out, what would it be?”
  11. “You’re the king or queen of a castle being invaded; you only have children’s toys to defend it. Which toys do you use, and how do you use them?”
  12. “You must invent a potato chip flavor that doesn’t taste like another food. What is the flavor you think of?”

Final Thoughts

Conversation starters are a fantastic way to start a lively discussion with your family at dinner time. By sharing topics you are passionate about, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for talking about anything and everything.

When gathering around the family dinner table, it’s critical to make the most of it. The time goes by so quickly, and it’s so special. Today is the day when you promise yourself: “no more quiet dinners.” I know you won’t regret it.

I hope this list of questions helps your family enjoy their time together more. I hope it helps bring a deeper level of connection to your family.

Summer Chores: The Ultimate Summer Chore List For Kids Of All Ages

By Gathered Again

Summer vacation is an excellent opportunity for kids to get out of the house and explore the world. However, it’s also a time when parents can end up with a lot of extra work around the house. Use this time as an opportunity to teach your kids about responsibility, and help prepare them for the future.

What Chores Can Kids Do?

Chores are an excellent way for kids to learn responsibility and develop a sense of ownership. But with so many different age groups and abilities, it can be tough to know where to start. So here is a list of age-appropriate chores for kids:

To help out, here are some age-appropriate chores for kids of all ages that can be done during summertime.

Ages 3 – 5

You might be surprised to find out that even kids as young as 3 can be started on chores. Obviously, things will be much more fundamental. You’re probably not going to have them following a schedule, but here are some chore ideas to get your little helper started early.

  1. Basic sweeping with a short broom. You can do the “sweeping game” where you create a square on the floor from painter’s tape and have your kid sweep dirt into the square.
  2. Toy pickup. Make this a habit after all playtimes.
  3. Bringing lightweight, non-breakable groceries into the house.
  4. Filling a pet’s food dish. You can also do water, but expect to clean up some spills.
  5. Basic dishwashing and drying of safe items such as plastic plates and cups.
  6. Combing a pet’s fur.
  7. Wiping up spills.

Ages 5 – 7

Ages 5 to 7 are where your kids will start to get a lot more helpful and independent. Expect mistakes and messes, but this is an excellent time for them to grow into their responsibilities.

  1. Sweeping and mopping. Again, don’t expect the highest quality job; it’s best to do it with your kids so they can learn proper techniques.
  2. Picking up toys and putting clothes and towels in the hamper.
  3. Basic bed making.
  4. Bringing in groceries.
  5. Filling a pet’s food and water dishes.
  6. Washing non-fragile dishes and silverware that isn’t sharp.
  7. Drying and putting dishes away.
  8. Walking pets that aren’t too large for them.
  9. Watering the garden
  10. Pulling weeds (be careful they pull only weeds and not your tomato plants!)
  11. Dust areas of the house they can reach safely.
  12. Basic laundry folding.
  13. Setting the table.
  14. Help with food preparation (have them help make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and other simple foods).
  15. Help with garden work.

Ages 7-10

At ages 7 through 10, you’ll see the quality of their efforts, and you’ll notice that they need less supervision to complete their tasks. Many of the functions on my previous lists above can now be done almost entirely unaccompanied, and there are new tasks they can start to learn.

  1. Washing dishes
  2. Cleaning their room
  3. Cleaning sinks, toilets, and floors
  4. Polishing mirrors and windows
  5. Doing more of their own dirty laundry (although they’ll likely need assistance)
  6. Sweeping
  7. Vacuuming. Make sure your children understand what they should and shouldn’t vacuum up.
  8. Making simple foods
  9. Getting toothbrushes ready (especially if they have siblings)
  10. Helping get ready for bedtime (especially if they have siblings)
  11. Raking yard debris
  12. Watering plants
  13. Weeding around a garden or flowerbed
  14. Feeding and watering pets
  15. Picking up around the house
  16. Dusting
  17. Setting the dinner table.
  18. Getting drinks/snacks for siblings

Ages 10 – 13

Ages 10 through 13 are great years for your kids to pick up skills they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. Not only that, they’re now learning responsibilities they’ll need in their first jobs once they’re older teenagers.

  1. Water the garden.
  2. Pull weeds in the garden or yard.
  3. Pick up leaves and other yard debris.
  4. Help with garden work.
  5. Get the mail.
  6. Mow the lawn.
  7. Wash the car.
  8. Wash windows.
  9. Clean the pool.
  10. Clean the garage.
  11. Dust furniture.
  12. Vacuum.
  13. Take out the trash.
  14. Set and clear the table.
  15. Fold towels.
  16. Clean laundry.
  17. Clean the house.
  18. Put away groceries.
  19. Pick up toys.
  20. Sweep the house.
  21. Fold clothes.
  22. Clean their room.
  23. Change the sheets on their bed.
  24. Help prepare meals.
  25. Make sure the pets are fed and watered.

Chores List for Teens

As a parent, you may be wondering what chores are appropriate for your teenager to do at home. There are a variety of chores that can be assigned, depending on your child’s age and abilities. For younger teens, simple tasks like making their bed or taking out the trash can be an excellent way to start. As they age, they can take on more responsibility, such as doing the laundry or cooking dinner. No matter what chores you choose, give your teenager some guidance and supervision to ensure that they are correctly done. With your help, your teenager can learn how to be responsible and contribute to the household.

Indoor chores list for teens

Teenagers are probably not too thrilled about the idea of doing chores. But indoor chores are a necessary part of life, and they can actually be pretty helpful in teaching responsibility. Many teens view summer simply as a break from school and a chance to have fun, but it’s also an opportunity to prepare them for the real world.

Some good indoor chores for teenagers include:

  • Vacuuming
  • Dusting
  • Sweeping
  • Mopping
  • Laundry
  • Replace air filters
  • Clean bathrooms and mirrors
  • Cleaning baseboards
  • Reorganizing the pantry
  • Cooking meals
  • Cleaning out the refrigerator
  • Cleaning appliances
  • Cleaning windows
  • Polishing wood furniture
  • Steam cleaning grout
  • Steam cleaning floors
  • And taking out the trash.

Teens can also help with meal prep, such as chopping vegetables or setting tables. If you have pets, your teen can be responsible for feeding them and cleaning up after them.

Whatever chores your teen does, make sure they do them regularly and to the best of their ability. Then, they can learn to keep a home clean and tidy with a little effort.

Outdoor chores list for teens

  • Cut the grass
  • Pull weeds
  • Rake leaves
  • Trim hedges
  • Plant flowers
  • Water the garden
  • Clean the gutters
  • Wash the car
  • Vacuum out / detail vehicles
  • Take out the trash
  • Pressure washing
  • Pruning trees
  • Edging the lawn
  • Clean the pool
  • Clean the grill
  • Wash house windows
  • Touch up painting the house or a fence
  • Help neighbors
  • Bathing pets

Summer Daily Checklist

Having a daily list of summer chores you need to be completed around the house is essential. This can be accomplished with a checklist on a dry erase board or a printable chore chart. Your daily chore checklist should include a spot for each day of the week, along with each chore listed.

As your kid completes their daily tasks, they can check them off the list. A list will help them remember their daily responsibilities and get them into a daily routine. This is an excellent way of keeping your kids productive. As they acclimate, they’ll become very efficient at completing their chores. Use this as motivation to complete the household chores, and they’ll be left with plenty of time to enjoy their summer break too!

We have a chore checklist printable in our online shop ready for instant download and printing. Check it out here!

Chores Help Kids Learn and Grow

Giving kids chores around the house is more than just a way to get them to help out with the work. Chores teach kids responsibility, time management, and other essential life skills. They also give kids a sense of accomplishment and contribution to the family’s well-being.

Chores Teach Responsibility

One of the best ways to teach kids responsibility is to give them chores. Chores help kids learn to work independently and take pride in their work. They also learn to cooperate with others, as they often have to work together with family members to complete chores. Summer is a great time to start giving kids tasks, as they often have more free time during the summer months.

There are a variety of chores that can be assigned to kids, depending on their age and ability. For younger kids, simple tasks like setting the table or putting away toys can be helpful. Older kids can take on more responsibility, such as mowing the lawn or washing the car. No matter what chore you assign, be sure to give clear instructions and praise your child for a job well done.

Consider Safety Issues

Consider safety issues when assigning chores to your kids. For example, if you have a pool, you’ll want to ensure that your child knows how to swim and is aware of pool safety rules. You’ll also want to avoid assigning tasks that are too physically demanding or require using sharp objects. And, of course, you’ll want to ensure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to handle the chore you’re assigning. Considering these safety issues, you can help ensure that your child stays safe while completing their assigned duties.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should kids start doing chores?

Kids can begin doing some fundamental chores as young as 3. I’m speaking from experience here as a mother. I’m a firm believer in starting off early. After all, chores are just a word we use to describe tasks everyone needs to do to live everyday, modern lives. Moreover, your kids will eventually be adults. So it makes sense to get them started at a young age.

How can I get my kids to do their chores?

If you start kids off early enough, then they usually don’t need a lot of coaxing. However, if you’re just dropping these chores on a kid who hasn’t had to do much in the way of work, you’ll probably need to get creative.

This topic alone can be its own article, but here are my top tips:

  • Turn what you can into a game.
  • Try to make them into a “stakeholder.” For example, when I wanted to teach my kids gardening and have them help in the garden, I got each of them to grow their own plants from seed. Once they did that, they couldn’t wait to check on their plants!
  • Use an incentive system! I don’t like paying kids to do chores, but I’m not above using an incentive system. We use one, but the most important thing to remember is to be consistent in your rewards.
  • Tie the completion of chores to something they care about. For example, if they want to watch a specific movie, they must complete their duties first. Screen time is a sound bargaining chip when trying to get kids to do extra or just their weekly chores.

What are some benefits of kids doing chores?

Kids doing chores have many benefits, including developing a sense of responsibility, gaining independence, and becoming more self-sufficient. Chores also teach kids essential life skills such as time management, organization, and task prioritization. In addition, kids who do chores are often more successful in school and their future careers. Summer is a great time for kids to start chores, as they have more free time to complete them. By assigning simple tasks such as making the bed or taking out the trash, kids can learn the importance of caring for their belongings and keeping their living space clean.

Should teens do chores?

Absolutely! Teens are on the cusp of getting their first jobs. Chores help acclimate them to the idea of showing up, doing work, and people depending on them. These are essential life skills they must acquire to hold a job.

What are some benefits of teens doing chores?

There are many benefits to having teens do chores around the house. For one, it teaches them responsibility and gives them a sense of ownership over their home. Additionally, it can help them develop time management skills and learn essential life skills they’ll need as adults. Finally, doing chores can give teens a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Should I Pay My Kids to Do Chores?

There is no correct answer when it comes to whether or not you should pay your kids to do chores. Some parents feel that it is an excellent way to teach their children the value of work, while others believe it takes away from the intrinsic value of doing chores. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you feel is best for your family. There are pros and cons to paying and not paying for chores, so it is essential to weigh your options before making a decision. If you decide to compensate your kids for chores, set clear expectations and rules to avoid any confusion or conflict.

If you want my honest opinion, the answer is you shouldn’t pay your kids to do chores. I know many parents feel that paying for assignments is a good way for kids to learn about working for money. I understand this thinking, but here is why I disagree with it:

  1. You already give a ton of value to your kids because they’re your kids! They get housing, food, drinks, entertainment, clothes, education, and other things for free. I’m not saying your kids should be paying you back, but it’s good to remind them what you already do for them.
  2. In my experience, once you make the commitment, there’s no putting that toothpaste back in the tube. Your kids will expect full pay, even if they did lackluster work.
  3. I feel that it undermines their role as contributing members of the family. The family is working together for the collective good. Once you change that motivation, I’m not confident you can get it back.

Do I Need A Chore Chart?

As a very experienced mother, the short answer is: yes! If you’re trying to decide whether or not to use a chore chart for your kids this summer, there are a few things to consider. First, consider what kinds of chores you would like your kids to do. Once you’ve decided what types of chores you want your kids to do, you can decide whether or not a chore chart is right for you.

If you think your kids will benefit from having a visual reminder of their chores, then a chore chart may be a good option. I believe that a chore chart reduces confusion and helps eliminate excuses. Other parents might have a different opinion, such as “I expect my kid to remember their obligations because that’s how they’ll need to function when they’re an adult too!”

Should I Create A Chore Schedule?

I suggest that you consider creating a chore schedule for your kids. Not only will it help them with their responsibility, but it will also give them a sense of ownership around the house. Plus, it’ll free up some of your time! When creating a chore schedule, be sure to include a variety of tasks that are appropriate for your child’s age and abilities. And don’t forget to involve them in the process – they’re more likely to stick to the schedule if they helped create it.

You can break the schedule up into morning and evening chores or any other way that fits your family’s lifestyle and schedule. This also helps eliminate some guesswork or excuses your kids might have. For example, “Oh, sorry, mom, I thought you wanted me to make my bed at night before I’m about to use it.”

Final Thoughts

Summer is the perfect time to get your kids involved in fun and productive summer chores. From making their own breakfast to washing the car, there are plenty of chores kids of all ages can help with. Not only will they be keeping busy during the summer months, but they’ll also be learning some valuable life skills. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on those summer chores!

17+ Fun Cardboard Box Projects for Kids

By Gathered Again

The cardboard box is a childhood staple. Some kids played with cardboard boxes as is, while others decorated their boxes with stickers and crayons or decorated them with paint. I can tell you that with the advent of online shopping, cardboard boxes are more available now than ever (thanks Amazon)!

What better way to give your kids some screen-free entertainment than to let their imaginations run wild with some cardboard boxes and a few other materials? Not to mention, many of these activities will help kids with motor skills and imaginative play.

Fun Cardboard Box Activities

The most popular activity with kids using cardboard boxes is building towers. They can stack them high, then knock them down again. Another favorite game if you have a lot of boxes is stacking the boxes into a pyramid shape.

While that’s a good start, there are so many more fun things you can do with cardboard boxes. So let’s get into it!

Cardboard Box Puppet Show

Children love puppets, and they’re a great way to let their imaginations flourish. With this puppet theater idea, you take a cardboard box and cut one of the walls as a viewing window. Then, decorate it as though it’s a stage in a theater and supply some puppets for your kids to tell stories. You can also glue paper cutouts onto popsicle sticks and use those as puppets.

Cardboard Tic-Tac-Toe

Turn a cardboard box into a replayable game of tic-tac-toe. This project is slightly more involved, but with a little extra effort, this really cool game will keep the kids occupied for a long time!

Tugging Box

This fun little sensory box is meant for younger kids. All you do is thread ribbon or fabric through holes in the cardboard box and tie the ends with knots (so the kids can’t actually pull the ribbon or fabric through. This allows your child to pull the ribbon or thread through the holes until it reaches the knot.

Cardboard Knight’s Shield

Kids love knights and castles, so why not make them a knight’s shield out of cardboard? With a well-made cardboard shield, your child will be able to fend off dragons, an attacking army, or even a volley of arrows!

Marble Maze

Cardboard marble mazes are a fun spin on an older idea. I used to have wooden marble mazes with knobs on the side that would tilt the maze and move the marble around. It was actually a pretty fun game. This is a much simpler idea where you make a maze using things like pipe cleaners, straws, or even PlayDoh to create the maze inside of a cardboard box. This is great for developing motor skills and motor control.

Cardboard Box Castles

Try making a cardboard castle from scratch if you want to get a bit fancier. It can be as elaborate as you’d like or as simple as a cardboard box with a hole cut out as the “draw bridge” and the rest of the box drawn on to complete the castle.

Cardboard Box Zoo

You can turn any old cardboard box into a zoo by decorating it with animals made out of paper or filling it with plush animals. Have your child give you a tour of the zoo and tell you what sound each of the animals makes. This is great practice for toddlers.

The Robot Costume Cardboard Box

With a robot costume, your kid can pretend he’s a real-life robot! To make the costume, you’ll need a cardboard box, tape, and markers (or paint). You cut a “head hole” in the bottom of the box, arm holes in the side of the box on opposite sides, and decorate it to your heart’s content. Then, it’s as simple as putting the box over your child’s head and their arms through the arm holes. You can also easily create a “robot head” using a smaller box, like in the video below. Easy!

Cardboard Box Cars (Beep! Beep!)

Cars are another classic cardboard box activity to make and it makes for a great toddler playtime. decorate the box to look like a car. You can use tin foil as the windshield and a paper plate as the steering wheel.

Put two long pieces of string or ribbon from opposite corners to make a loose “X”. That will be the shoulder straps. Then, simply cut a hole in the bottom of the box for your kid’s legs to go through. Your kid can now wear their amazing cardboard car and drive around the house.

Cardboard Box Train

This idea is very similar to the car idea above, with one fun addition: instead of just making the locomotive, you can also make boxcars! This is especially useful if you have multiple kids or just some friends coming over to play. Thomas the Tank Engine anyone? Here is a really well-done example, although you certainly don’t have to go this elaborate!

Cardboard Box Barn

Another great cardboard box project is turning your cardboard box into a barn. You can have your kids fill it with all of their plush stuffed farm animals. There are a few ways you can make a cardboard barn. This video shows a more involved way, but I thought it looked really nice.

Cardboard Box Play Aquarium

This is an easy one but it’s really, really fun. Cut a viewing window out of the side of a cardboard box, then glue some blue construction paper to the inside. You can also cut out other fun aquarium decorations and glue them to the side of the box, such as a castle, seaweed, and coral. Then, make paper fish and tie or tape them to the fishing line for your kids to dangle from the top of the aquarium to give the illusion that the fish are swimming. You can also make a more stationary version like the one in this video:

Cardboard Box Marionette Stage

Just like the aquarium above, but instead of making an aquarium, make a theater stage. You can then cut out characters and tape them to wooden dowels, skewers, or pipe cleaners. Then have your characters on the stage acting out your kid’s favorite stories. This is a good interactive play for multiple kids.

Cardboard Box Play Tunnels

One thing that never gets old is playing with tunnels. Another great thing: it’s perfect for developing basic motor skills in toddlers. Luckily, these are easy to make with cardboard boxes.

While taping them together will make them stronger, and less apt to separate, it’s kind of optional. We’ve always just taped them together because it makes the activity low maintenance. This is another great option for toddler playtime.

Learning Activities For Children Using Cardboard

As much fun as you can have with cardboard boxes, did you know you can learn with them as well? It’s true! You can use cardboard activities for child development. I’ve put together some of my favorite learning activities that you can do just with some cardboard boxes and a few other materials.

Cardboard Coin Bank Box Activity

There is a very simple way to make this, and a much more intense way. The easy way is to wrap a Kleenex box like a Christmas Present and cut a slit into it to drop coins. Make sure you have a way to get the coins out without destroying your work such as a flap.

Next, I found this YouTube video of a much more elaborate cardboard coin bank that uses a conveyor belt! Now, you can teach your child about saving money.

Cardboard Box Coin Sorting Machine

On the subject of money and cardboard, why not build a cardboard coin sorter? Yes, it’s completely possible and probably easier than you’d ever think. This is a great way to teach your kids about the different coins and their values. When it comes to essential activities for children, I think understanding money is extremely important.

Cardboard Color Sorting

With a few smaller cardboard boxes, you can glue colored construction paper into each box as a liner, then let your child sort toys based on their colors. For example, line a box with red construction paper, line another box with green construction paper, then line the third box with blue construction paper. Then give your child an assortment of red, green, and blue toys to sort. Here’s a video with a few different styles of a similar idea:

Cardboard Shape Sorting

Have you ever heard the phrase “you can’t put a square peg through a round hole?” That doesn’t mean your kids won’t try! With this activity, you cut shapes out of your cardboard box, then your child tries to take put those shapes through the holes you made. Here’s a great video detailing how to do it.

Cardboard Box Washing Machine

This is probably the most elaborate idea on this list, but it also teaches your kids about doing laundry (kind of) so take the bad with the good! Hahaha. This super adorable idea might not have your kid’s clothes looking cleaner, but it’s a super wholesome way to introduce them to the idea of basic life skills.

Final Thoughts

While there are many ideas in this post, the main point is that if you’re willing to be creative, you can find lots of ways to use cardboard boxes. These activities aren’t all perfect, but they should spark some interesting conversations between you and your kids.

Hopefully, you enjoyed our ideas for fun things to do with cardboard boxes. There are many more ideas out there, so if we missed any, please share in the comments below!