(MS) — For many parents, getting their children to cooperate with mundane tasks is a never-ending battle of wills. If the kids don’t see some personal benefit to say, washing the dishes, taking out the trash, or brushing their teeth, they’re not playing along.

The parenting experts say that you have to pick your battles where children are involved. But an entirely different school of thinking can be to eliminate as many battles as possible. Certainly not by giving in to stubborn kids, but by making tasks more fun.

There are probably a dozen or more activities and chores that kids turn their noses up toward. Here’s a look at five things that can get a fun makeover, and win over children in the process.

? Mealtime mania: Food issues and picky eating are some of the main complaints from parents. You say, “Eat it.” Your child says, “No way.” Why not turn eating into more of a game by giving foods interesting names: Power Peas, or Crazy Carrots. If that doesn’t do the trick, create funny faces ut of food on your child’s plate, and let him or her join in the culinary creations. A few broccoli spear noses and sliced beet eyes later, and your children may be more apt to look forward to dinner time instead of running in the opposite direction. Also, involve kids in cooking meals. They’ll be more inclined to enjoy something they helped to create.

? Boring brushing: Did you know that the recommended brushing time for getting teeth clean is two minutes? That means one minute for the top arch of pearly whites and one minute for the bottom. Two seconds, never mind two minutes can seem an eternity for a child who has better things to do, and places to be. And what a chore teeth brushing happens twice per day. Get kids to the bathroom sink with the anticipation of something fun. A series of drinking cups emblazoned with a favorite cartoon character or a fruity-flavored toothpaste might be the answer. Or how about a blinking toothbrush that lights up and tells kids just how long to brush? Check stores in your area to see what they have to make brushing time fun.

? Car trip conundrum: Riding in a car, whether a short jaunt to the supermarket or a long road trip can seem interminable to a bored child. Technology has paved the way for more enjoyable rides, as watching DVDs or listening to MP3 players along the route can alleviate those antsy
feelings. Tried and true boredombusters, like looking for license plates or different colored cars that are “it” can promote family bonding time. Frequent stops where well-behaved children are allowed to indulge in a rest-stop snack can also make the trip manageable.

? Supermarket snoozefest: Few children enjoy accompanying their mothers or fathers to a supermarket. After all, what’s the fun in food shopping? There can be plenty. Older kids can be given their own portion of the shopping list while Mom or Dad times who can get all of the items on his respective list faster. Make shopping a learning experience for younger children by pointing out colors or shapes along the way. Ask toddlers to help
gather produce or other easilymaneuvered items. Sing along with the music being played throughout the store and encourage a “reward” for kids who make it through shopping without fits or tantrums.

? Bedtime blues: Retiring to bed is the last thing some active children want to do at the end of a busy day. This can be a large point of conflict in an
otherwise happy family. Turn bedtime into yet another childhood adventure. Erect a “tent” made of sheets or pillows over the bed so your child can hide out inside. Create a comfy spot on the floor with a sleeping bag and encourage your kid to camp out under the imaginary stars. The novelty of sleeping in a different location — even if that is merely on the floor of his or her room — can seem exciting to a child. And don’t neglect the power of funky or fun sheet sets with favorite characters or scenes depicted.