TIPS&TRICKS The list
TINY HELPERS Encouraging kids to help with outdoor chores probably won’t lighten your actual workload, but it’ll give them a sense of accomplishment and pride —and keep them occupied. Here are some ideas.
WATER FLOWERS Set your hose nozzle to a gentle spray or mist if you’re concerned about damage to delicate petals. HOSE DOWN 2 THE WAGON Kids can go wild spraying any dusty or muddy backyard items, from the wagon to outdoor toys to the play structure. TIDY THE GARDEN 3 Ask them remove any fallen leaves or dead branches they find around. PULL DANDELIONS 4 They’re so pretty (and edible!), but if you don’t want them dotting your lawn, send the kids on a mission to pull them out. RAKE LEAVES 5 Will they do a thorough job? Probably not. Best-case scenario: They make a dent in a big job. SWEEP 6 Kids can help tidy up dirty decks and backyard pavers by sweeping dirt and pine needles away. PICK RIPE PRODUCE 7 Show your little ones what a ripe tomato looks like and how to pull it off the vine. (Accept that they’ll probably pull some not-quite-ready ones, too.)
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FU N IN THE SU N!
Get ready
todaysparent.com Summer 2021
cones on hand to use as part of a rainy-day craft. PAINT THE FENCE 10 Give your toddler a paint brush and a bucket of water and have them “paint” wooden fencing. (OK, this one isn’t a real job—but your toddler doesn’t need to know that.)
PHOTO:JENNA WAKANI
WASH WINDOWS Kids love spraying and wiping windows, if you have any that are within reach. PICK UP PINE CONES 9 Kids can’t resist a pine cone hunt, especially if they get to use a garden grabber. Keep the pine
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A toddler with a hose will drench everything— including you!
