Children do not make the distinction that adults do between play and work. What we call work may be play for them and it is part of fun, learning, kindergarten readiness, and life skills. Sometimes, kids even see these activities as so important that they are insistent they get a turn.
Much of children’s play is based on what they see others around them already doing. To a child swooshing the vacuum around while bending, stretching and hunting for hidden treasures can look like great fun. It’s obviously an important activity because adults seem to do if often. Maybe not as much as is needed, but it certainly is repeated. Plus the vacuum makes a noise and warm air squirts out in just one spot. Only later do kids understand vacuuming isn’t play but in the meantime, we can support their wanting to participate. The vacuum may not be appropriate and can be scary for young children, but the mop or broom or brush are also fun. Just like pirates, kids can swab the deck.
Not only are even quite young children capable of helping, it is important that they do. Kids need to learn that picking up toys is part of playing with them. Giving children some chores to do helps them learn to be responsible. Being responsible doesn’t come automatically with birthdays, it’s a skill that develops from practicing. Children also feel like they are part of the group when we give then jobs to do and completing something gives them a sense of accomplishment. We all like to feel like mates.
Besides swabbing the deck, are there some work-play activities that your pirates can do at home or at a play center?