15 fun ways to get kids involved at home
Who hasn’t sighed when faced with a mountain of laundry or a messy kitchen, dreaming of a magic wand to tidy it all up? Good news: magic does exist… and it’s called « motivated children »! According to a study by the Université de Montréal, children who take part in household chores develop greater independence and self-confidence. But how do you turn chores into fun?
Who hasn't sighed when faced with a mountain of laundry or a messy kitchen, dreaming of a magic wand to tidy it all up? Good news: magic does exist... and it's called "motivated children"! According to a study by the Université de Montréal, children who take part in household chores develop greater independence and self-confidence. But how do you turn chores into fun? Here are 15 fun ideas to get the whole family involved, without shouting or sighing. Get ready for your kids to demand their turn at vacuuming or emptying the dishwasher!
1. The storage treasure hunt
Turn tidying up into an adventure! Hide little treasures (stickers, candies, coins) around the house and give your children clues. Every item they put away brings them closer to a clue. This method stimulates motivation and team spirit. To extend the game, take inspiration from strategy games like Tentlan, where every mission completed brings victory closer!
2. The fastest contest
Time your children as they complete a task: who will tidy their room the fastest? Who will set the table in under 2 minutes? Kids love a challenge, and a stopwatch adds a touch of adrenalin. According to Statistics Canada, 67% of children are more motivated when an activity takes the form of a game or challenge. on your marks, get set, put away!
3. The household playlist
Create a family playlist with everyone's favorite songs. Start the music and dance while you clean! Cleaning becomes a mini house party. Studies show that music increases productivity and reduces the perception of effort. Let your kids choose the next song to get them even more involved.
4. Secret missions
Slip "secret missions" into a box (e.g. water the plants, feed the cat, fold the towels). Each child picks a mission to carry out discreetly. at the end of the day, reveal the secret agents and congratulate them! This game stimulates independence and discretion, while making tasks exciting.
5. The awards table
Post a chart where each task completed earns points. at the end of the week, trade the points for a special activity (movie night, outing to the park). According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, recognition motivates children to persevere. Make the board colorful and let them glue the stars themselves!
6. Chef of the day
Give your child the role of chef: he chooses the menu (with your help), prepares a simple dish and sets the table. Cooking develops fine motor skills and independence. According to a Laval University study, children who cook eat a wider variety of foods and are more open to trying new foods. Bon appétit, chef!
7. The play of colors
Assign each family member a color for sorting laundry or toys. Who will find the most objects of their color? This simple game encourages cooperation and color learning in the little ones. Add a timer to spice up the game and watch the kids turn into real sorting detectives!
8. The Call of Dragons challenge
For video game fans, propose a challenge inspired by Call of Dragons: each task completed "earns" powers or points for an imaginary adventure. Children love to play the role of heroes and take on quests. This method transforms chores into fantastic epics, while boosting their imagination.
9. The household relay
Organize a relay: each family member performs a task and then passes the baton (a symbolic object) to the next. This dynamic format encourages mutual support and speed. According to an Ipsos survey, 72% of families find that team activities strengthen family bonds. Ready for the broom race?
10. The task quiz
Prepare a quiz on household chores: "What is white vinegar used for?", "How long does it take to cook a hard-boiled egg? Correct answers earn you a mini-mission. This game stimulates curiosity and learning, while making chores more interactive. Perfect for curious little ones who like to learn while having fun!
11. The toy market
Get your kids to sort through their toys and organize a mini-market at home. They can trade, donate or sell (for fake) their treasures. This activity develops a sense of sharing and object management. According to Statistics Canada, 60% of children learn best by manipulating and playing. to your stalls!
12. The Tentlan challenge
Take inspiration from the world of Tentlan: each task completed "builds" a part of the house (e.g. tidying up = building a wall, vacuuming = laying the roof). Children can visualize their progress and feel proud of their contribution. A life-size construction game, without screens!
13. The conductor
Appoint an orchestra conductor each day: he or she distributes tasks, encourages and congratulates others. This role encourages initiative and group management. According to the Ordre des psychologues du Québec, giving children a sense of responsibility boosts their self-esteem. Let them wear a funny hat to mark their authority for the day!
14. Chore bingo
Create a bingo grid with different household tasks. for each task completed, the child ticks a box. A complete line earns a surprise reward. This fun format encourages regularity and motivation. Kids love to see how they're doing, and get into the family bingo game!
15. The Call of Dragons mission wheel
Build a spinning wheel with different missions inspired by Call of Dragons: each spin holds a surprise! Kids love the random effect and the excitement of discovering their mission. This method makes chores unpredictable and fun, while encouraging everyone to get involved. give it a whirl!