Here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone … combine family chores with kids indoor exercise. It can be challenging to get kids to do either, but merging the two can lead to lots of fun. Chores may seem boring to kids, but they can be a great way to shed some calories. That is, if you’re willing to make it fun.

Assign a couple chores for each child and turn their cleaning time into a relay race. Whoever finishes their chores first, and the most thoroughly, will win a prize. This will encourage them to work hard, while burning calories. And, this type of kids indoor exercise will keep your house clean.

Or, without making housecleaning a competitive sport, you could put in a fun music CD and have the children dance while they clean. You could even take a break between chores to just dance to the music. Teach the kids a few fun dance moves, or learn some moves from them.

Exercising and cleaning are beneficial in many ways, and not only for the reasons already mentioned. Chores give your kids responsibilities and will help develop their character as they get older. It will prevent them from becoming lazy and will give them drive and motivation as they move on to college and the career world.

Making cleaning fun will also help them enjoy other seemingly “boring” areas in life. They will learn to make the most of any situation, no matter how unattractive. Make sure when assigning chores you sometimes give them tasks they strongly dislike. This will teach them how to cope with undesirable responsibilities.

Cleaning together with your children also ensures more quality family time. It’s a great opportunity to teach your kids proper sanitation, and the value and demands of cleaning. Without such quality time and training, your children may not learn how to cook or do laundry until they’re well into adulthood.

So, teach your children how to enjoy their chores while getting a workout at the same time. For more ideas on kids indoor exercises, visit MyFamilyExercise.com.