Who couldn’t use an extra hand cleaning up around the house? We would all enjoy a little more time to focus on the activities that bring us joy. Have you thought of asking your kids to lend a hand? After all, they are an important part of your family, so why shouldn’t they hold their (much smaller share) of the responsibilities in your home.

Children are born as a blank slate. They don’t naturally classify activities as “work” and “play” as we have learned to do as adults. There is not a difference in their minds between trying to get a basketball through a hoop and trying to toss the clothes into the washing machine. Both involve items flying through the air with a circular target, right?

And try telling a young child that helping Mommy or Daddy to make the bed is “work”. After all, they probably have your full attention as you’re talking and laughing while pulling the sheets tight and placing the pillows. It will really feel like play to your child if hiding under the sheets or an airplane ride on your legs precedes the cooperative act of making the bed. They will be happy to just be with you – and to feel like they are an equal. To know that you trust them to do the same important work that you are doing for yourself at that moment.

My youngest daughter loves to grind the morning coffee — we make silly faces and shake like we’re being zapped while the grinding takes place. And then she gets to press the button to start the coffee for Mommy and Daddy!! This would seem pretty important through a three-year old’s eyes, right? Of course, you could choose to have your children watch cartoons or hop on an iPad when they wake up in the morning. But, I’d prefer to use those simple moments to connect and engage with my children.

After all, as my partner John likes to say “teamwork makes the dream work”. I strive to include the girls in simple routines throughout our day that can be another moment to touch base with them. I use these moments to ask them a question about school, how they are feeling or get input on an upcoming family activity.

Some other ideas for children of all ages:

• Help set the table and clean-up after meals
• Have a race to collect the dirty clothes throughout the house
• Expect them to hang coats and place shoes in the entryway when they walk in the door
• Ask them to fill water glasses for dinner (refrigerator water dispensers are pretty fun)
• Get help carrying bags and books into the house from the car
• Pick-up toys in the evening or after playtime is over
• Have them sweep the floor (okay, you might need to re-sweep the floor once they are done depending on your child’s age)

These simple acts are far more important than just getting some free help around the house. Your children learn that their “helping hands” are valued by the people they love the most. They can see immediate results and feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work. They learn a sense of responsibility to participate in the family’s work, cooperation and the importance of taking care of belongings and their home. You can engage with them more regularly throughout the day and enjoy a conversation. But, perhaps the most important lesson of all — you can teach your children that life can be fun and that happiness is in the journey.