Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

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Now that you know more about how to get your child (sorta) excited about chores, let's try to add some fun to your never ending list of housework.

Why not start by singing a simple song (sung to the tune of "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush"):

Now it’s time to clean the house,

Clean the house, clean the house.

Now it’s time to clean the house,

So early in the morning.

And then try sharing one of these stories to help to remind your child (and maybe yourself too) that sometimes there really is joy to be found in tidying up.

Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash by Sarah Weeks (Ages 2-6)

For though the chores never seem to end…

…they still need to be done so…

Christopher, Please Clean Up Your Room! by Itah Sadu (Ages 6-9)

And don't forget to watch out for…

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas (Ages 3-5)

…because you never know what or who the cleaning might uncover.

Here Comes the Big, Mean Dust Bunny! by Jan Thomas (Ages 3-5)

Remember that everyone can pitch in and help to…

Fix This Mess by Tedd Arnold (Ages 4-6)

And just know that although your family can sometimes be very messy…

Drat That Fat Cat! by Julia Patton (Ages 4-6)

…we really wouldn't want them to be any other way.

So sing that happy working song, adding verses that show that "this is the way we" wash the clothes, sweep the floor, and tidy the mess. You and your child will be having so much that you might be a little sad to sing the last verse:

Now the house is nice and clean,

Nice and clean, nice and clean.

Now the house is nice and clean,

So early in the morning.

Don't worry though because you can always sing it again tomorrow…

…when you start on your next list of chores!