If you’re like many homeowners, home improvement projects are probably an important part of your summer to-do list.

There’s no reason to sacrifice time spent with family in order to work on your home, however. Here are six family-friendly DIY home improvement projects from Erie Insurance that you can work on with your children. Not only will they enhance your home, they’ll help your children build important skills, develop pride in their home and create lasting memories for the whole family.

1. Paint. Whether it's refreshing a room or bringing new life to a piece of furniture, let your kids develop painting skills by adding a splash of color around the house. Knowing they helped with the work will make the transformation even more rewarding. Be sure to follow safety rules if using ladders.

2. Plant a garden. Whether you desire fresh, home-grown produce or are having trouble getting your kids to eat their vegetables, gardening could be the perfect solution. Pick out seeds or seedlings together through a mail-order catalog, local garden center or community grocery store. Then, let everyone help plant them outside (or in pots) when you get home.

3. Brighten your mailbox. Grab some paint and let your kids use their creativity to decorate that fading mailbox. Just be sure your house number is clearly legible and you're following the United States Postal Service rules for mailbox installation, as well as any guidance from your homeowners association if you have one.

4. Install solar pathway lights. Looking to brighten the outside of your house while staying environmentally friendly? Solar lights are simple to install and can easily be found online or at your local hardware store. Help your kids space them out evenly along the edges of your driveway or sidewalk.

5. Decorate your mantle. Bring some warmth and creativity to the centerpiece of your home. Have your kids help decorate by making a seasonal craft, picture or sign for your mantle. Don't have a fireplace? Ask for their assistance in hanging up or straightening family photos on your walls.

6. Build a desk. Would your kids benefit from their own place to do homework or make crafts? If so, have them assist in building their very own desk. There's no shortage of DIY desk ideas online to draw inspiration from. Have your kids help in picking the perfect plan and color for your space, then get to work.