Young boy racing to put away toys, smiling while cleaning as part of a fun parent hack

Turn Chores Into a Race: A Parent Hack That Actually Works

September 29, 20251 min read

Because “Clean Up Now” Doesn’t Always Work

If you’re a parent, you’ve been here: toys on the floor, laundry waiting, dishes piling up. You ask your son to help, and suddenly he’s “too tired” or “forgot how to move.”

Here’s a trick we use with our Young Kings that works every time: turn chores into a race.

How It Works

  1. Set the Challenge:

“Let’s see who can put away 10 toys first!” or “Can you beat the timer before it hits zero?”

  1. Add Friendly Competition:

If you have more than one son, let them compete against each other (with you as referee). If not, let him compete against you or even a stopwatch.

  1. Celebrate the Win:

A quick cheer, a high five, or a victory dance makes it fun and seals the positive memory.

Why It Works

  • Education: Chores become a chance to practice counting, sorting, and time awareness.

  • Empowerment: He’s not “just cleaning”—he’s proving he can rise to a challenge.

  • Exposure: Boys learn that responsibility can actually be exciting when approached with creativity.

Parent Takeaway

The best hacks aren’t about tricking your son into doing something. They’re about reframing the task so he wants to do it. With a little competition and encouragement, cleaning up becomes a chance for your boy to move, think, and win.

That’s the KingMaker way: turn everyday moments into lessons that build kings.

Want to See It for Yourself?

Visit KingMaker Academy and see how we guide boys through fun, focused play with a purpose. We’re not just raising gamers—we’re raising leaders.

Book a call to learn more about our programs:

https://kingmaker.academy/enrollments

Or reach us at 314-373-0000

Composed by KingMaker Co-founder Rio McGee

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