5 parenting tips to get your child to rake leaves.
Raking leaves is like any other childhood chore. It’s met with excuses, groans, and procrastination. The good news is that a great way to get your child to rake leaves involves enjoying the hallmarks of the Fall season, like being outside in the crisp air and sipping hot chocolate on the couch. Below are five ways to turn raking leaves into an enjoyable experience for the whole family.
1. Make it a family affair.
For many children, doing chores means they are stuck doing the work while everyone else is having fun. Get the whole family outside doing yard work or other outdoor tasks so your child doesn’t feel left out while raking leaves. And with everyone chipping in, you might be able to knock out all your household chores in one afternoon!
2. Give age-appropriate tasks.
Any child can help rake leaves, no matter the age. A toddler can help bag the leaves or use a small kids-sized rake to collect the leaves into small piles. A grade-schooler can help rake, and a teenager can rake and bring the bags to the curb. If you have more than one child, you can give them an age-appropriate task so they can complete it in half the time.
3. Create a tradition.
Remember the crisp air and sipping hot chocolate on the couch I mentioned earlier? Why not make it a tradition? Prepare a yummy treat for your child while they are outside raking leaves. This shows them you care and are thankful for their help and gives them something to look forward to. When your child is done raking leaves, have hot chocolate and a warm blanket ready for snuggling.
4. Don’t forget to have fun!
Encourage your kids to have fun while raking leaves. Start a leaf-blowing contest or throw a handful of leaves on your child’s head. Gather up the leaves in a pile and jump in them. You can also use the leaves to stuff pumpkin trash bags. Getting kids involved in chores like raking leaves is easier when it doesn’t feel like work.
5. Use a reward chart.
Reward charts are a great tool for positive reinforcement. Use a reward chart to keep track of how many times your child rakes leaves or how many bags they fill. Once tasks are completed satisfactorily, reward them with their most desired prize from a universal wish list like Wishfinity.
