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J.U.N.E.
J: Just do it! Start off small, "Hey you guys, can you give me, your grand parents, Mrs. Davis, next door, a hand with: the lawn, picking some tomatoes, spreading some bark...? Watering the patio or house plants. The earlier in the day the better. Reward the older ones with an added incentive to teach a sibling ... or not LOL.
U: Use those extra hands. June yardwork is the easiest and most rewarding! Its not too hot yet and there is something for every age! Mow the lawn, clean the patio, water outside/indoor plants, harvest fresh fruit/veggies, deadhead or cut flower beds. The easier the better initially, it builds confidence and rewards them quickly! The June swoon needs children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and neighborhood kids to help! Just follow the rules: Keep it simple, work them in the mornings, have snacks and cold drinks available, compliment their efforts and pay for their services!
N: Now! Picking fruit and veggies, cutting fresh flowers, skimming the pool or pulling weeds is always best done early! But "now" is be prepared with the tools, basket, gloves. Keep it simple, be ready keep an eye on progress and help with gentle tips. Then, give them a reward when they are done! Even better is to make a treat out of something they harvested! That can mean a nice flower vase in their bedroom with the flowers they cut for you, a sachet of dried lavender in their bathroom, a fruit muffin, zucchini bread, or pie! Kids like to brag so teach them something from their efforts or have them bring by those things to a relative and encourage them to see if they can help them in their yards. The most important "Now", is the basket of rewards, candy bars, gift cards, movies passes, cash, favor notes -let them choose! Be sure to balance the rewards against what they've been doing....
E: Easy!! But be ready to help them start easily with simple chores. Always have a light breakfast ready and waiting for them. Work in short increments initially is a reward in itself! You can build up to tougher things later in the month and remember to always, ALWAYS Compliment them and their efforts immediately and in front of others, for a job well done...
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