Home Improvement Projects with Kids

There are several home improvement projects that are safe and simple to build relationships with your kids as well as their confidence and self-esteem. 

Typically, the summer and fall are great seasons to get some work done around the house for parents who may have a little more time on their hands. Whether it’s painting, landscaping, or cleaning out the garage, it’s time to get your tools out and start the home improvement projects you’ve had on your “to-do list” for weeks. What’s more, when the kids are out of school, they can join in on the work. Remember to take your time and teach your children the basics about tools, proper preparation, completing your goal, and cleaning up after yourself. We’ve found some great ways to get your kids involved in home improvement projects that will ensure fun family time together.

Updating your outdoor living spaces

Updating your outdoor living spaces can be a big project. Break it down into simpler tasks and find one or two that your child can help you finish. Sprucing up an existing piece of furniture with a fresh coat of paint is an easy job for a child of any age. Planting a garden of fresh summer veggies is a simple job and allows your child to watch the growth and development of their work. For older children, they can earn money while mulching the yard or pulling weeds. You can also try building something new, like a sandbox, tree swing, or birdhouse from a DIY kit found at your local hardware store. Involve your children in the shopping of supplies, gathering of tools, and following directions while explaining the process as you go. As Ray, a father of two boys living in California and founder of MapsCookingKids.com says, allowing his oldest son, Remy, to help with weekend projects started when Remy was almost two years old. It was early one summer morning, and he needed to finish sanding the deck. He took his hand sander and started to work on the edges and hard-to-get spots. “I look over, and I see Remy, who was about 19 months old and my only child at the time, take the other hand sander (with no sandpaper) and start imitating me. He looks over at me with the biggest grin on his face and says, “ya ya.” He wanted me to see him working just like his dad. After seeing that huge smile, and his proud achievement, I now allow both of my children to help me with just about everything I can.”

Letting kids help with painting

Houseful Handmade.

Sprucing up your indoor spaces can be a lot of fun for you and your kids. Try touching up walls and door frames. Grab yourself and your child a paintbrush and show them where to paint. Give your old toys a sparkling new, fun container. You can give them free reign to paint the containers however they want and express their artistry. Don’t let the painting fun stop there! Ray says, “Painting a wall or a cabinet is a big YES.” It’s not hard to put the kids in one of their work shirts, or a painting apron, and allow them to paint small sections of what is needed. Walls, patio furniture, and cabinet doors are all great projects for kids.

While indoors, tackle some of those must-do projects with your children. The Family Handyman says that “checking the filter every month means you’ll know when it’s dirty and your kids will see that changing the filter likely takes less time and is more fun than cleaning their room!” If you’re ready to hang pictures, let your child help you. Grab a hammer and nails, measure and level, and have your child learn the basics of wall art. Another great idea that can be made into a game of “hide and seek” is finding the squeaky door hinges. Go around your home opening doors and have your child find the noisy hinge. Once you’ve found it, have your child help tighten the hinges with a simple screwdriver and a spray of WD40 to stop the squeaking. And the game can continue another day by taking the screwdriver to the loose knobs on drawers and cabinets as well. 

Making memories with kids

While you’re working on your home improvement projects with your kids, remember you are creating memorable experiences that will last a lifetime. As Zig Ziglar said, “Spend time with those you love. One of these days you will say either, ‘I wish I had’ or ‘I’m glad I did.’”

Be glad you did. 

What are some home improvement projects you’ve tackled with your kids? Connect with us on Instagram @MapsCookingKids or on Twitter @MapsCookingKids. Until next time, Agape, be kind, and happy parenting.