Family Fun - All in a Day's Yard Work

Think you have to go it alone when it comes to keeping up your yard? You may be surprised at how easy it is to get your little ones (and bigger ones) to chip in on the chores - especially when you make it a fun family activity.

From tiny tots to teenagers, there are plenty of ways kids can participate in yard work, and enjoy fresh air, exercise and a sense of accomplishment along the way. Of course, safety comes first. So check out the Yard Work Safety Rules for Kids website before you start.

Here are some ideas for bringing your family together in your front and backyards.

How 3 to 6 year olds can help.

• Pick up sticks in the yard
• Throw down grass seed
• Spread mulch
• Water container gardens
• Clear away toys before mowing
• Sweep the deck or patio
• Fill birdfeeders

How to make it fun:

• Pick up their own pint-sized rakes, shovels, watering cans and buckets from toy stores or garden stores
• Give treats at break time. Popsicles and ice cream can be great motivators!
• Get out the sprinkler and bathing suits when it's cool down time.

How 7 to 15 year olds can help.

• Hold down tarps during raking
• Rake out flowerbeds
• Pull weeds
• Plant flowers and bulbs
• Water flowerbeds
• Clean out birdbaths
• Pick produce from garden

How to make it fun:

• Make it a game. For instance, whoever completes their chore fastest gets to choose what's for dinner or a movie for the night.
• Get them whistling while they work, playing your child's favorite tunes.
• Have a picnic when work is done - and invite your child's friends.

How kids 16 and older can help.

• Mow lawn
• Trim edges of the lawn
• Prune bushes
• Carry debris to edge of property
• Use a leaf blower to clear debris off driveway
• Be responsible for all watering

How to make it fun:

• Much praise and a little cash. Need we say more?