There’s no denying it, being a homeowner is a lot of work. If your to-do list is starting to look more like a novel, don’t freak out – let your kids help! This is a great chance to teach them the basics of home maintenance, but it will also make life easier for you. Just think: it’s like having your very own cleaning crew right under your roof!

Here are four chores your kids can help with around the house:

1. Recycling. Putting your kids in charge of your home’s recycling system is a great way to instill an appreciation for the environment early on in their lives. Plus, you won’t have to sort through all of your cans and plastics anymore! Each county has its own recycling requirements, so make sure you teach your kids to recycle in accordance with your local regulations. Learn how to recycle.

2. Laundry. The great thing about this chore is that children of all ages can help. If you have toddlers, teach them how to sort your clothes into the appropriate piles before they go into the washing machine. When they’re a little older, they can manage the entire process by themselves. Then, once they’re teenage laundry experts, you can even teach them how to inspect and maintain a washing machine. Learn how to do it here.

3. Remove Drink Rings. Coasters are a foreign idea to most kids. If you teach them how to remove drink rings, they’ll be more likely to remember them the next time they set down their soda! This is a good cleaning task for children because they can use non-toxic ingredients like vinegar or mayo to get the job done (go here for instructions). If you think your kids are old enough to work with wood polish, have them give your table a quick shine once the drink rings have been vanquished.

4. Clean Out Your Fridge. Giving your refrigerator a good cleaning will help banish bacteria, keep things organized and prevent food poisoning. Have your kids clean out the fridge with baking soda before your next big grocery trip (it will be easier to clean if it’s less full). This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about food safety and where fresh foods should be kept.

Now that you have a few chores picked out for your kids, the real trick is getting them to actually do them. Good luck! Just kidding, we do have one solution. High Score House created a fun online game to help busy parents motivate their kids to complete household tasks for real-life rewards.

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