Your kids may be kids right now, but they’ll eventually grow into adults. As adults, they’ll be solely responsible for the maintenance tasks around their home. To strengthen their independence, teach them small maintenance tasks around the house while they’re younger.
Replacing Lightbulbs
It’s never too early to teach your children the proper way to change a light bulb. While changing a light bulb seems like an easy task, there are actually a few rules that should be followed for safety reasons. Teach your kids to always turn off a wall light switch before changing a ceiling light bulb. If they’re changing a light bulb in a lamp, always switch it off or unplug it to prevent an accidental shock or electrocution.
Plumbing
The plumbing in your house can malfunction unexpectedly. Whether it’s a water leak or a busted pipe, plumbing malfunctions should be fixed as soon as possible by hiring a professional hot water plumber. This doesn’t mean that your kids can’t help with smaller plumbing tasks. Children can help unclog sink drains using a snake. Parents can show their children how to unclog toilets using a plunger. Kids are even capable of learning how to install small plumbing fixtures such as faucets and knobs.
Replacing an Air Filter
The HVAC system in your home requires an air filter to keep the air in your home clean and free of allergens. Depending on how often you use your HVAC system and how many pets you have, the air filter would need to be replaced as often as once a month. This is a fairly simple maintenance task that a child can learn. They could even be handed the filter and instructed on how to insert it into the ventilation system.
Cleaning Windows
Your kids won’t be able to learn how to clean the outside of second story windows due to how dangerous it would be for them to climb a ladder, but they can certainly help learn how to clean the inside of the windows. Be sure to use a nontoxic window cleaner so as not to endanger your kids. There are recipes available online that you can use to create your own homemade window cleaner from safe household ingredients.
It’s important to keep in mind that your kids won’t be able to help with or learn all of the important house maintenance tasks until they’re older and stronger. Try to keep the tasks light and make them fun so that it becomes an enjoyable bonding experience.
