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DIY

10 Musical Instrument Crafts for Kids

July 31, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Kids, easy crafts for kids, and noise go hand-in-hand. Children love when things make noise, and while this can be annoying for parents, it’s a good way for them to use their creativity. Professional musical instruments are expensive, and kids may be too rough with them. Fortunately, instruments can be made. Here are 10 musical instrument crafts for preschoolers and toddlers.

Musical Instrument Crafts For Preschoolers and Toddlers

1. Container Drums

Empty oatmeal containers make the best drums, but potato chip containers work too. Encourage your kid to decorate the containers with construction paper. Then, add skins to the homemade drums. Pencils or wood dowels make perfect drum sticks.

Musical Instrument Crafts For Preschoolers and Toddlers

2. Metal Washer Chimes

Easy musical instrument crafts for preschoolers and toddlers include making a metal washer chime. This one may be easier on the ears. To make it, collect metal washers that are different sizes. You’ll also need yarn and a ruler. Cut the yarn and tie it to the ruler. Be sure to keep space between the yarn strings. Then, tie the washers to the yarn strands, forming a chime.

3. Easter Egg Maracas

If you have old plastic Easter eggs lying around, turn them into maracas. Instruct your kids to gather pebbles from outside. The next step is to put them in the plastic eggs and tape them shut. Once your kids have decorated the eggs, they’ll be ready to play their maracas. If you don’t have any old Easter eggs, you can get them at Michael’s.

4. Shoebox Guitars

Crafts for kids include making guitars out of shoeboxes. The only materials needed for this project are an old shoebox, rubber bands and glue.

5. Musical Anklets

With musical anklets, you’ll know where your kids are at all times. Your toddler is sure to have fun wearing them since they make a thrilling jingly noise every time he or she moves. To make them, you’ll need felt, glue and bells.

6. Popsicle Harmonica

When it comes to easy crafts for kids, you won’t find many easier to make than this popsicle harmonica. Made from popsicle sticks, paper, toothpicks and a few rubber bands, a popsicle harmonica is sure to keep your little ones happy for hours.

7. Hardware-Inspired French Horn

An online visit to a hardware store like Hoss Tools is all that it takes to get the supplies for a hardware-inspired French horn. A funnel, some tubing and your favorite connectors can be turned into a French horn, one that will have your kids playing their own tune.

8. PVC Xylophone

You’ll have to help build a PVC xylophone, but this craft for kids is the real deal. To make it, you’ll need PVC pipe along with some wood for the frame. Consider marking the top of each pipe with colored tape to indicate the different cords.

9. Toilet Paper Roll Kazoos

Kazoos are noisy fun, the kind that inspire young musicians. Making toilet paper roll kazoos is simple since all you need are empty toilet paper rolls, rubber bands and wax paper. This homemade instrument is one that your kids can decorate, so be sure to break out the markers.

10. Singing Straws

Singing straws are a homemade musical instrument that is easy to make and affordable. At the store, pick up a box of multicolored straws and some yarn. Cut the bottom of the straws at an angle and be sure to cut each one a different length. Then, form holes lengthwise across the top of each straw. String the yarn through the holes and let your kids make beautiful music.

Looking for more craft ideas for kids? Check out this post on easy bird feeder crafts for kids!

Homemade musical instruments were found at Mom Junction, Moms and Crafters and Play Ideas.

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff Tagged With: Crafts for Kids, Easy Crafts for Kids, Fun Crafts for Kids, Fun Stuff for Kids, Kid Stuff

12 Fun Things to Do With Toddlers During the Summer

July 24, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

As most of you know, it can be tricky to keep toddlers entertained during the summer. Here is a list of fun things to do with a toddler in summer! They will have so much fun.

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Things To Do With A Toddler In Summer

1. CARdboard Drive-In Theater

Invite a few friends over this summer for a drive-in movie in these super fun cardboard cars!  Kids would love to design and decorate their own cruiser!  How fun are the popcorn trays?!  Find more car building tips here.

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2. Storytime At Library

Get your toddler excited about reading this summer by taking them to story time at the local library or bookstore.  It can also be a great way to meet some new friends.  You can find a map of all the local libraries in your area here.

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3. Chalk It Up!

Chalk up some fun with your Little Picasso by creating chalk masterpieces on your driveway or sidewalk.  For an extra bit of fun, make your own environment-friendly chalk paint.

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4. Wet ‘n Wild

Get a little wet ‘n wild this summer by playing in the sprinklers with your toddler.  No need to go to splash pads and water parks when you can have just as much fun in your front yard.  For an especially fun time, you can make your own waterfall sprinklers.  Check out the DIY instructions from from Lindsay & Andrew.

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5.  Star Tours

Go on a tour of the stars with your little Astronomer by spending an evening stargazing under the sky.  Take some time before heading outside to read books about stars and have fun making or drawing your own constellation examples.  Get more ideas and info from Edventures With Kids.

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6. Make Way For Ducklings

Take your toddler to a nearby park or pond to feed the ducks.  Creating happy memories of feeding ducks with Mom or Dad should be something every child gets to experience.  But while you’re building those memories with your toddler, remember to also be careful of WHAT you feed the ducks.  Most of the foods we traditionally think of sharing with our feathered friends (popcorn, bread, crackers, etc.), are actually the worst foods for them!  Read more about how to better feed those duckies here. This is one of my favorite things to do with a toddler in summer!

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7. Goat to the Farm

Spend an afternoon at a local farm.  Many farms will offer tours and have petting zoos that you can enjoy with your little one.  Check out the database of farms on Localharvest.org to locate farms nearest your home.

8. FAIRly Fun

Enjoy a night out at the country fair.  While some of the games and rides may not be appropriate for toddlers, there are plenty of alternative activities made just for younger children.  Try the carousel, pony rides, petting zoos, and inflatable bouncers.  Visit Countyfairgrounds.net for a list of fairs in your state.

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9. Man the Fort!

Man the fort this summer by, well, building the fort.  I don’t know what it is about building a tiny space out of blankets, sheets, and pillows but it sure is a hit with Little Engineers!  Turn the space into a reading nook, movie theater, or tent to create some extra special summer memories.  Get some fort building tips here.

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10. We’re Going On A Bear Nature Hunt

Head outside for a nature hunt!  Your Little Explorer will love the challenge and you can easily turn it in to a learning activity as well.  Double points for Mom!  Download a free nature hunt card here.

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11. No Scream, Ice Cream

I’ll admit that when I first heard the idea of making ice cream with a toddler, I scoffed.  But after hearing how successful others were with the activity, I decided to give it a try and I have to say, it went pretty well!  I recommend using zip-top plastic bags instead of regular push and seal bags.  Read more tips and suggestions from Busy Toddler.

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12. Come Fly With Me

Have a fun afternoon flying kites in the park.  After having fun with a real kite, let your toddler have a turn as well.  However, since flying a real kite will most likely be too tricky for little arms and legs, let them be more successful with a plastic bag.  Plastic bag kites are surprisingly fun!

I hope you enjoyed this list of things to do with a toddler in summer! Looking for more ideas? Check out this post on dollar tree toys perfect for summer fun.

Filed Under: DIY, Kid Stuff, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Summer Activities, Summer Activities for Kids, Things To Do With A Toddler In Summer, Things to Do With Toddler, Toddler Activities

10 Hair Hacks for Busy Back to School Mornings

April 15, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Mornings can be crazy enough without having to worry about anyone’s hair.  Here are 10 of my go-to kids hair hacks for busy mornings. It will help get you and your kiddos out the door on time.

Busy school mornings are hard to avoid when you have kids. Halfpintpeeps.com can take the stress away with these quick and easy kid hair hacks that will have you out the door looking fab in seconds. Keep reading to learn more.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

1. Ponytail Pizzazz

Stick to the easiness of a ponytail but with some added style.  All you have to do is make a normal ponytail and then pull the end through the area between the elastic and the base of the head.  This will take all the fuss out of doing your little girl’s hair in your rush to get out the door.  See the idea here. This is my favorite kids hair hacks for busy mornings!

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

2. DIY Dry Shampoo

There are just those mornings when you don’t have time to wash and dry your hair (sleep in?  Who, me?).  For those crazy mornings, use dry shampoo to wash your or your child’s hair.  I prefer to make my own because the store bought products have damaging alcohols and chemicals.  Learn how to make and apply dry shampoo from Style On Main.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

3. Messy Bun

It’s taken years but I’ve finally learned to get along with my naturally curly hair.  That wouldn’t be the case, however, if I hadn’t found some really cute and easy solutions.  This messy bun look has been one of my favorite go-to dos.  It’s as easy as tying a knot!  Any little girl would look adorable with her hair like this for school.  Source.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

4. DIY Beach Waves

I live nowhere near an ocean but love the beachy wave look.  Lucky me that even without the salty ocean water, I can still achieve the body and curl I want.  All I have to do is use sea salt spray.  And I do…  and I LOVE it!  I used to buy a trusted store bought brand but decided to make my own to save some money.  My favorite is this recipe because the oils keep moisture in my hair where the salt would otherwise pull it out.  I especially love this look because not only is it cute, but I can apply the spray and style my hair in less than 3 minutes!

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

5. Twist Half-Up Braid

I love this look!  It’s perfect for days when you wake up with bed head but still want to wear your hair down.  It has saved me on many-a-days.  It’s even easier to do on someone else.  No missing the school bus with this quick hair do.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

6. Easy Chignon

Take the pull-through ponytail one step further by finishing it off in a chignon.  You or your daughter can pull this elegant look off in 5 minutes or less.  All you have to do to achieve the look is start with the pull-through ponytail and then pin the ends up at the base of the head.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

7. Bandana

Here’s a great idea for those with short hair.  Just pull your wavy hair into a low ponytail in the back.  Don’t worry if your side hairs aren’t long enough to stay in the elastic because the bandana will help keep the strays out of your face.  You can find cute bandanas and head scarves at stores such as J. Crew and Madewell.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

8. Fishtail Braid

How pretty is this look?  I absolutely love the red hair but since I can’t really change that about myself (naturally, anyway), I can at least achieve the style.  This is an especially easy style to pull off when you’re helping your little girl get ready for school.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

9. Ponytails & Braids

Achieve this quick do by parting your hair in the middle and then braiding it all the way back on both sides starting from the part.  Pull the rest of your hair into a ponytail and then braid your ponytail as well.  Tie the larger braid into a bun and secure.  Nothing more to it!

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

10. Flat Iron Waves

Another really fast and easy way to get a wavy look is to use a flat iron.  It works especially great when hair isn’t freshly washed, so it’s perfect for rushed mornings trying to get to school on time.  Flat irons are one of my favorite beauty tools of all time!  Get the tutorial from The Goddess.

Kids Hair Hacks For Busy Mornings

I hope these kids hair hacks for busy mornings helps you out! If you’re looking for more ideas, check out my post on fast hairstyles for lazy parents.

Filed Under: DIY, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Back to School, Back to School Hacks, Hair Hacks, Hair Tips, Morning Hacks

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained While Camping

March 30, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Growing up with the Rockies in our backyard, camping was an annual tradition in our family.  I have nothing but fond memories of those trips and time spent with my family… bugs, bites, leech-infested lakes, and everything else between.  It’s been many years since we last went camping and I’ve been wanting to plan a trip for my own family to experience.  It’s a time to disconnect from work and devices and connect with each other instead.  As I’ve been pulling thoughts together for our first camping adventure, here are some camping activities for kids I’ve found for keeping little ones entertained during downtime.

Halfpintpeeps.com makes caring for kids easier than ever! Find creative ways to make sure your kids are happy and healthy. Enjoy a family camping trip with these ideas for keeping your kids entertained the whole time.

Camping Activities For Kids

Party Animals

Have a party of a time searching for animal tracks as a family.  Not only will you be out hiking on your hunt but you can also learn a lot about the animals and nature.  Who knows… you might even meet a few of the animals along the way. Read more animal tracking tips from Learn Create Love. You can also find an animal track guide here.

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Fire Up Some Grub!

Gather all your Little Chefs around the fire and learn to cook some super yummy and surprisingly easy recipes together.  The Dating Divas share a list of kid-friendly recipes that you can fire up in no time at all and that will have you ALL going back for more!

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Stick It To Me

Decorate your own walking sticks.  All you need are acrylic paints, string, beads, and feathers.  After you’ve finished decorating and the paint has dried, take your sticks on a hike.  Find the crafting instructions here.

How to Keep Your Kids Entertained While Camping| Camping, Camping With Kids, Kid Tips and Tricks, Camping Hacks, Kid Stuff, Camping Tips and Tricks, Camping Tips and Tricks, Camping Hacks, Camping Activities For Kids

Happy Hunting

Go on a nature scavenger hunt.  An activity all ages can enjoy, you can either do the hunt as a group or have everyone fend for themselves.  Get the free scavenger hunt list here.  Happy hunting!

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The Family That Sings Together…

Sing campfire songs together as a family.  It might be a bit of a battle at first with those resistant singers, but it’s worth the “treble.” You can find a great list of campfire songs here.

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Story Time!!

One of my favorite ways to imagine up a story is with Rory’s Story Cubes.  To play the game, you roll some special dice with themed images on each die face.  You must then create a story using the images you rolled.  Have fun on your next campout making your own version of Rory’s Story Cubes by creating Story Stones.  Have fun painting your own images and then play the game later around the fire as a family.  I can hardly wait!

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Seek It!

Spend a lazy afternoon in your campground battling it out over Seek It.  Seek It is a simple yet addictive game the whole family will love.  The objective is to find the only matching symbol between your card and the card in the center and then to yell out the match before your opponents. If your card wins a round, it’s added to the center pile and becomes the next card everyone matches to. The first to run out of cards, wins!  Find the Happy Camper set and many more from MC Squared.

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Geocaching

If you’d like to give your hiking a bit more purpose, give geocaching a try.  Geocaching is basically a scavenger hunt on steroids.  To play, hunters use a GPS to hide and seek packages referred to as “geocaches” or “caches”.  Learn more about how to participate from Geocaching.com.

I hope this list of camping activities for kids helps you out! If you’re looking for more camping hacks, check out my post on survival skills for camping with kids.

Filed Under: Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff, Tips & Tricks, Travel and Vacation, Vacation Tagged With: Activities for Kids, Camping Hacks, Camping With Kids, Traveling With Kids

10 Discipline Mistakes All Parents Should Avoid Making

March 9, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Parenting is hard, there is no doubt about it! Parenting is even harder when you have to figure out how you want to discipline your kids. Here is a list of discipline mistakes most parents make, and how you can avoid making them!

Halfpintpeeps.com makes parenting easier with tips and tricks to help guide you. Kids are bound to make mistakes sometimes, no matter what. Learn what NOT to do when disciplining your child.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

1. Telling Lies

It can be so tempting at times to tell our kids little white lies.  Your intentions are usually in the right place and you often get away with it.  But that doesn’t make it right.  The worst part of all about telling our kids a lie is when you get caught.  The disappointment and injustice of it all is more than I can bear to think of putting my boys through.   I’ve found that as cliché as it is to say, honesty always really is the best policy.  Have an open and honest conversation with your child when time allows… I’m always amazed at how much children really do understand.  For more information and great suggestions for a variety of situations, check out Goop.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

2. Caving In

Before I was married and had kids I had my first real interactions with children as a teacher.  One of the first lessons I learned with my students was to never back down from following through with consequences.  The minute you do that is the minute children know, even if subconsciously, that they can manipulate the situation.  Empty threats will not correct inappropriate behaviors.  Don’t be afraid of being the bad guy.  You are not your child’s friend… You are the parent.  Read more here.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

3. Inconsistent 

This is one of the biggest discipline mistakes most parents make. Inconsistencies between parents will undoubtedly lead to problems down the road.  Your kids will learn which parent to go to when they want something and the other will become the “bad guy”.  Sit down as a couple and determine ways in which you can both agree to discipline your children.  Learn more about how parents can back each other up from Raising Children.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

4. Excessive Bribes

Making promises or offering bribes to kids is so easy and tempting!  If we need them to cooperate and keep calm, we offer a bribe.  If we want them to eat their dinner rather than waste the food, we offer a bribe. There are times and situations when I DO actually think this is appropriate.  But there really is a fine line between offering a positive incentive and bribing to get through a difficult situation or bind.  Perhaps the worst consequence of offering excessive bribes is that children start to expect the bribe.  Once the offer is off the table, good luck getting them to behave.  I have found that the best way to change bad behavior and encourage good is to focus on the good.  Every time your child demonstrates good behavior, give them praise.  Children love getting positive feedback more than they want a bit of extra chocolate after eating all their broccoli.  Head to Empowering Parents for more information.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

5. Losing Your Cool

We’ve all been there.  Our child becomes stubborn and resistant, perhaps he/she throws a temper tantrum… whatever it is, it can cause your blood to boil and you might even lose your own temper.  You get angry, yell, maybe even say things you shouldn’t.  If this sounds familiar, then it really shouldn’t surprise you when your child loses their temper as well.  Children will model the behavior they observe from caregivers.  If kids observe mom and dad losing their tempers, their own behaviors will reflect mom and dad’s negative reactions.  Likewise, if children observe parents keeping their cool in heated situations, children will, with the proper guidance, learn to do the same.  For advice on how to keep your cool, read more on What to Expect.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

6. Consequences Not Immediate Enough

Children most likely won’t admit it, but they like having, or at least knowing, that there are consequences to inappropriate behaviors.  Consequences provide a sense of security for children as they mean that they live in an environment that sets and follows rules and expects only positive behaviors.  The problem with this for adults, however, is that it means we have to actually follow through.  It’s easier to go with a soft reprimand and avoid conflict than to give a full punishment.  As nice as it is to stay conflict free, all that this avoiding does is allow a problem to grow until it becomes so big that the punishment has to become more severe as well.  Deal with issues along the way when they are small and can be handled in a much less severe way.  Read more from The Next Family.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

7. Talking Too Long

I’ve seen it in my classroom a thousand times.  Eyes glaze over, hands stop going up in the air, and heads begin to droop.  I do my best not to let lessons get to this point, but when it happens, I know it’s immediately time to stop and move on.  The simple fact is that children will only stay focused on a topic or conversation for a short while.  If you want them to not just listen to but hear what you are saying to them, you must keep statements short and to the point.  They’ll also be more likely to remain engaged in a conversation if you let them actively participate and come up with answers or solutions on their own.  Psychology Today explains more about how to discipline children without losing their attention through drawn out discussions.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

8. Break Your Own Rules

Children will mimic what they see you doing.  Don’t confuse them or make them think rules apply to everyone but them by breaking your own rules.  I see this all the time when I’m out in stores or at a restaurant.  I’ll see parents getting after their children for fighting and then when the cashier or waiter makes a simple mistake, the parent becomes confrontational.  Seems a bit of a double standard, don’t you think?  It takes real effort, but adults must always be aware that they have little eyes watching them.  What you do is what your children will do.  The Atlantic shares more here about how parents can improve on ignoring or breaking their own rules.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

9. Being Negative

It’s really quite simple when you think about it:  whatever behaviors a parent focuses on pointing out are the behaviors a child will manifest.  What children know is that they want your attention and whichever behaviors elicit that attention from you, even if it’s negative attention, those are the behaviors children will practice.  If you want your children to follow rules, cooperate, and get along with others, praise those behaviors as much and as often as appropriate.  Flintobox explains how parents can avoid negativity and focus on being positive instead. This is one of the discipline mistakes most parents make that can really damage your relationship with your child.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

10. Consequences Don’t Match Actions

Sadly, this is one of the discipline mistakes most parents make that I see a lot. Another lesson I learned early on as a young teacher before having children of my own was the importance of consequences matching the behavior.  It’s easy in the world of education to hold a child in from recess when they cheat on a test or continually blurt out and disrupt the class.  But what how does taking recess away relate to cheating?  The consequence doesn’t help the child learn directly from their mistakes.  In order for consequences to have a lasting effect, they must match the behaviors that are inappropriate.  Read more here.

Discipline Mistakes Most Parents Make

I hope this list of discipline mistakes most parents make helps you out and teaches you ways to avoid those mistakes. For more parenting tips, check out my post on practice what you preach: why you should parent by example.

Filed Under: DIY, Kid Stuff, Parenting, Tips & Tricks Tagged With: Discipline, Discipline Children, Parenting, Parenting Hacks, Parenting Tips and Tricks

Age-Appropriate Chore Charts for Kids

February 24, 2021 by Jessica Moore Leave a Comment

Chore charts for kids are great! Many kids respond well to chore charts. Instead of fighting your children to get their tasks done, they’ll be excited to earn a checkmark in the proper box. Age-appropriate chore charts ensure that your kids are learning how to clean and take care of things when they’re ready to do so. Check out these awesome chore chart ideas for kids!

Halfpintpeeps.com makes parenting a breeze! Find loads of fun and easy ideas to make life with kids easier. These chores will help you keep your kids responsible and organized!

Chore Chart Ideas For Kids

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The Classic Chore Chart

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The best chore charts for kids are simple and easy to use, which makes a classic charting system one that you should consider implementing. With this chart, your kids can help you decide what kind of tasks to put on the list. This may include things that are tough for them to remember, items like brushing their teeth, putting away laundry and cleaning the bathroom. Once your kids complete a chore to your satisfaction, reward them by putting a completion sticker in the chore box.

Spin the Wheel

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To give your chore chart a game show feel, make a Spin the Wheel version. Constructing this type of chore chart is easy. Just purchase an affordable Lazy Susan from Amazon and some spray paint. You may also want to download a few chore-based templates to give your spinning chart a little pizzazz. Use several different colors to enhance its look. Then, add chore images for the spinner to land on. This type of chart is exciting and fun to use.

Cookie Sheet Chart

Chore charts for multiple kids come in all forms. One popular option is to make cookie sheet chore charts. If you want to make this type of chart, collect several metal cookie sheets, a bag or two of magnets and a laminator. Print out a chore chart with pictures that you can laminate and glue to the back of your magnets. Create separate sides. One side is for unfinished chores while the other is for the chores that your kids complete. Your kids are sure to have fun moving the magnets from one side to the other as they finish their tasks.

Scratch Off Chore Chart

To increase your child’s enjoyment of doing chores, make a scratch off chore chart. If you decide to go with this type of chore chart, then plan to put one together weekly or monthly. To make one, you’ll need cardstock, metallic acrylic craft paint, a paint brush and dishwashing liquid. Affordable cardstock is available from Scrapbook. A scratch off chore chart gives you the opportunity to make household tasks even more fun by making the chores a surprise. Your child doesn’t have to know what jobs he or she will be doing until the square is scratched off.

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We came across ideas at Clean Mama, No Time for Flash Cards and All Things Thrifty. Which one of these chore chart ideas for kids will you try? Fore more chore chart ideas, check out my post on age appropriate chores for all kids.

Filed Under: Cleaning and Organization, DIY, Kid Stuff Tagged With: Chore Charts for Kids, Chore Charts for Kids Easy, Chore Charts for Multiple Kids, DIY Chore Charts for Kids, Easy Chore Charts for Kids

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