By Cynthia Martin

For the Sequim Gazette

Let’s be honest — if you’ve looked at your car lately, there’s a good chance it’s not sparkling clean. Maybe you’ve driven down a dusty road, hit a few puddles, or simply let busy life take priority over car maintenance. Whatever the reason, now might be the perfect time for a good old-fashioned car wash — and better yet, one the whole family can join in on.

Turning car washing into a family activity isn’t just practical — it can be surprisingly fun. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, everyone can pitch in and learn something along the way. Gather up your supplies: buckets, rags, sponges, soap, and the hose. Start by tackling the inside — toss out trash, gather up wayward toys and snack wrappers, and clear the clutter. Then comes the fun part: getting wet.

Younger kids can scrub the lower parts of the car while older ones handle the hood and roof. Let them splash a little, laugh a lot, and enjoy being part of a shared task. Bonus: it’s a great way to beat the heat on a warm afternoon.

What makes this kind of chore actually enjoyable? It’s the team effort. When the whole family jumps in — even if it’s just one parent and the kids — it transforms the task from a “have to” into a “get to.” This same principle works wonders for other household jobs too: cooking dinner, doing the dishes, cleaning the house, weeding the garden, or even helping a neighbor. Shared effort builds connection and keeps the complaining to a minimum.

If you’ve got resistance to certain chores in your household (from kids or even from your partner), try re-framing it as a family mission. You might be surprised at how quickly the mood shifts when no one feels like they’re in it alone.

And once the job is done? Celebrate it. Stand back and admire that sparkling clean car. Say thank you. Offer high-fives, hugs, or maybe even an impromptu trip for ice cream. Share the win with others — tell grandma, post a picture, or let your kids call a friend to brag about their awesome detailing skills.

Recognition goes a long way. When kids feel proud of what they’ve done, they’re much more likely to want to do it again. What started as a dirty car just became an opportunity to build teamwork, teach responsibility, and create a positive memory.

So, the next time the car needs washing, don’t make it a solo job. Grab your crew and make it a family thing. You’ll end up with more than just a clean vehicle — you’ll be reinforcing habits, connection, and confidence in every bucket of soapy water.

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Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which published newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents.