Outdoor and Indoor Helpers
Here's What To Do
Pick a simple activity outside where your child can help you, such as watering plants or collecting fallen leaves. Let your child choose what they’d like to do.
Offer gentle guidance as you do the task, demonstrating how much water the plants need, or how to rake the leaves into a pile.
Give your child the opportunity to try it, following their lead and making it fun. Acknowledge your teamwork as you go.
If you’re not able to go outside, choose indoor activities where the two of you can work as a team, such as putting away laundry, setting the table, or organizing their room. Any activity can be an opportunity for teamwork!
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Put away all distractions. Remind your child of the rules for being outside.
Engage:
- “What kinds of things do you think we can do together outside? I’d love some help watering the plants.“
- “It’s almost time for dinner – what part of setting the table do you want to do? And what should I do?”
Encourage:
- "You did an amazing job helping! You’re such a great team player!"
- "It’s okay if something was hard—we can try again next time and do even better!"
Reflect:
- "How did it feel to work together outside and help with something?"
Not quite ready?
Start by showing your child how to do the task, then ask them to help step by step.
Ready for more?
Let your child choose a different indoor or outdoor activity with a trusted adult (like helping neighbors or picking up trash).
As your child masters this skill...
they will become more confident in listening, following directions from trusted adults.