The end of the school year is indicative that summer is just around the corner. Although the first few weeks of summer may prove to be exciting for children, they may fall into a monotonous rut. Unfortunately, by the time July rolls around, you could be stuck with a bored child and a cluttered house.

But not to fear! This list of summer chores will fill their time in a meaningful way and help you keep your house looking spick-and-span—a definite win-win!

Pulling weeds.
We all know that weeds can creep into your garden at any time. Often, it seems like as soon as you pull one, another one sprouts up! This is where your kids can be a big help. Pulling weeds is a relatively simple chore. In fact, having your children help you just twice a week will have a tremendous impact on your garden—helping it stay in tip-top shape throughout the summer!

Caring for family pets.
Pets are an intricate part of our lives, but they can require quite a bit of care. This summer, have your children help you with pet-related chores. The best part? Children of all ages can help! Whether they’re feeding, bathing, walking, or simply playing with the pet, your kids can develop a deep bond with your pet, while also learning how to care for something other than themselves.

Washing the family car.
What’s better than playing outside with water during the hot summer days? With just a bucket, soap, a sponge, and a hose, your children can go to town helping make your car sparkle and shine. You can even take it one step further and have your older children organize the inside. Consider providing them with boxes to put the “junk” in and letting them vacuum the floor and seats.

Organizing outdoor toys.
With the amount of time children spend outside during the summer, it’s no surprise that your driveway and backyard can get cluttered with various toys. From chalk to bubbles, there’s no escaping the growing pile. Consider having your children help you organize their outdoor toys. Provide them with a few weatherproof bins, and determine a designated spot in the garage for the containers.

Getting the mail on a daily basis.
Retrieving the mail is a fun chore option for older children. There’s a good probability that they’ll already be outside, so why not have them take a quick trip to the mailbox? Since the mail comes six days a week, it will help them learn the importance of responsibility and accountability.

To make the idea of chores more alluring, consider attaching an incentive to each one. Some popular motivations include 15 minutes of media time (television, Internet, and cell phone), an extra treat after dinner, or a playdate. Regardless, chores are bound to break up the mundaneness of the dog days of summer—and help you keep your house in order!