Age appropriate chores for toddlers
If you have been considering giving your toddler chores, don’t feel bad at all or like you are being evil. it’s not a bad idea at all. If toddlers make a mess, they can clean too and help with little things at home. Chores teach the young ones to be responsible and to think about …
If you have been considering giving your toddler chores, don’t feel bad at all or like you are being evil. it’s not a bad idea at all. If toddlers make a mess, they can clean too and help with little things at home. Chores teach the young ones to be responsible and to think about their actions because they know what consequences will follow. A good example, if you enforce that your child must pick up their toys every time they are done playing, they will think twice before dropping blocks on the floor. They will realise that if they mess up, they will have to clean and not mommy.
Make doing them fun
Make it a labour of love than a chore. You can do this by asking your child as they pick up the toys to count or tell you the different colours. The best way to teach toddlers is to show them first, encourage and assist them. You have to be patient and remember to always shower them with praise
Appropriate chores
- Getting ready for bath time
Get your child to take out their clothes for bath time. Teach them to put the dirty clothes in the laundry basket and throw the dirty nappy in the bin. In the process they will learn how to put on their own pants, jacket and shoes.
- Let them water the plants
Children love playing with water and what better opportunity to get them to water the plants in and around the house. While at it, teach them the importance of saving water.
- Make feeding the pets fun time
Make it a family affair when it is time to feed the pets. Before you know it your little one will be volunteering to do it all alone.
- Let them pack the laundry away
Toddlers are actually good listeners; you just have to repeat yourself like five times… but they end up doing it. Let them help you pack the socks and shirts away.
- Clean their own mess
Show them that cleanliness is next to godliness by teaching your young one to clean after themselves. If they drop anything, they should pick it up and if they make a mess, it is their responsibility to clean up. It will become habit that after playtime, it’s cleaning time.
- Stirring and pouring
Most toddlers love spending time in the kitchen with pots and pans. Invite your child into the kitchen to help with the cooking and baking.
- Sweep the floor
Get your toddler a tiny broom of their own to put to good use when they have made a mess. They will feel special that there is a cleaning tool specially made for them.
- Dusting and wiping
Children love wet wipes so encourage them that when they make a mess they must immediately wipe if they drop food or liquid.
- Give them a responsibility
Encourage them to assist with small items like keeping the TV remotes in place or taking their plastic plate and cup to the kitchen.
- Let them carry small bags or items after shopping
Ask them to carry a loaf of bread or your small handbag into the house after shopping. Every time your car parks outside, they will run to help out.
Starting them while they are young will be make it an easy transition for them as the chores become harder as they grow.
