Race

• Race against the clock to get the work done quickly. Choose a small job to complete. If your child is cleaning her room by herself, begin with picking up toys and race against the clock. If two kids share the room, give them each a job; one child could begin by picking up toys and the other could put dirty clothes in the hamper. Set a timer for a few minutes and let the child get to work. Offer praise or a small treat if the work is done correctly, then start with the next chore until the job is finished.
  
  

Musical Pick-Up

• Make a short list of simple chores for each child and turn on some upbeat music. Have your children dance with the music as they clean up. When one song ends and another begins, it's time to move to the second chore on the list. Repeat this process until each chore on the list has been worked on through one song, then pause the music and assess what still must be done. Cross completed chores off the list, then begin again with the first chore that still needs work. This game will keep your children from getting bored with just one chore.
  
  

Treasure Hunt

• Children often lose their favorite toys, especially when their playrooms or bedrooms are a mess. Make a list of these lost items and any you might be missing. Tell the children that if they find an item on the list they get a prize. Give each child a specific task, such as putting books on the shelf, picking up all the toys with wheels, putting away action figures and dolls and cleaning up sports equipment. Reward anyone who finds an item on the list with a small treat or a sticker. If necessary, repeat the process with different jobs when the first ones are done.
  
  

Yard Work Fun

• Use water balloons or squirt guns to make a fun game out of gardening, mowing and weeding. Give each child a water gun or five water balloons. Tell the children that after they finish a job, such as pulling ten weeds, planting five seeds, mowing a strip of grass or picking up outdoor toys, they will be able to throw a water bomb at someone or squirt their water gun ten times at whoever they want. The children will work quickly so they can go on the attack.