How to Make Chores a Fun and Collaborative Experience

Hey dads, welcome to another episode of Dad Connections in 5—your five-minute boost of practical, meaningful advice to help you build a stronger connection with your daughter. I’m Dr. Christopher Lewis, and today we’re diving into a part of parenting that’s easy to overlook but full of opportunity:

Chores.

Yep—laundry, dishes, vacuuming. You might not think of them as bonding time, but trust me—when done right, chores can become a space for connection, collaboration, and even fun.

Let’s flip the script and turn the daily grind into something that brings you closer together.

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Why Chores Matter for Connection

Chores aren’t just about cleaning up—they’re about:

• Building life skills
• Sharing responsibility
• Creating moments for conversation and teamwork

And when you approach chores as something you do together—rather than something she has to do because you said so—you create space for growth, confidence, and connection.

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3 Ways to Make Chores Collaborative and Fun

1. Turn Chores into a Team Challenge

Instead of saying, “Go clean your room,” try,

• “Let’s see how fast we can both clean our spaces.”
• “You take the kitchen, I’ll take the living room—let’s beat the clock!”

Set a timer. Add music. Cheer each other on. Make it a team effort instead of a solo punishment.

When she sees you jumping in alongside her, she feels respected—and that makes her more likely to participate willingly.

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2. Turn on the Tunes and Turn Up the Fun

Music changes the whole vibe. Let her create a “cleaning playlist,” or take turns picking songs. Sing along. Dance while folding laundry. Be goofy.

It may sound silly—but those are the memories that stick. The joy in the ordinary.

And if she laughs at your dance moves? Even better. You’re showing her that work and play don’t have to live in separate worlds.

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3. Use Chores as Conversation Starters

Washing dishes together? Folding laundry side by side? These are great moments to ask simple questions like:

• “What’s something you’re looking forward to this week?”
• “What’s one thing that made you laugh today?”
• “If we had a robot to do one chore forever, which one would it be?”

The chore gets done, and so does the connection. Win-win.

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Quick Takeaway: Try This Today

Here’s your challenge:
Pick one chore to do with your daughter this week—and make it a moment.

• Set a fun timer and race the clock
• Blast music and turn it into a dance party
• Ask one silly or thoughtful question while you work

Whatever it is, show her that chores aren’t just work—they’re shared time. A space where you show up together, take care of your home, and maybe sneak in a few laughs along the way.

Because it’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about how you show up while doing it.

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That’s it for this episode of Dad Connections in 5. If this helped you see dishes, dusting, or laundry in a new light, share it with another dad who’s ready to turn the daily routine into a relationship-building moment.

Until next time—keep working side by side, keep having fun, and keep turning the everyday into something extraordinary.