Easy Jobs for Your Toddler to Help You Do

I am a stay-at-home mother of two children. One of them is in school all day, and my two-year-old is home with me all day. It is quite difficult to accomplish much of anything let alone the things that must be done such as laundry, dishes, and basic household cleaning. I have found though that when I include my toddler in my daily chores, I get much more done. Sometimes it isn't exactly to my exact specifications, but definitely worth it since I am teaching my toddler responsibility and getting things done at the same time! Toddlers are more than capable of doing simple and quick chores. Make sure that you are giving them something that they can complete with ease - this will ensure success. The sense of accomplishment will be a great reward. I get interrupted much less when I get my toddler's help with simple chores. Your toddler will feel a part of the family and be very proud of what they have done.

Here is a list of jobs and tasks that are easy for a toddler to accomplish and will help you out too!

Toddler Job #1: Loading the Washing Machine - My little girl loves helping me with laundry. At first I wondered what in the world she could help me with, but I quickly discovered that she could help load the washing machine. We keep a step stool right by the washer and as I sort and turn clothes right side out, she puts them in the washer. She loves to pour the detergent in too!

Toddler Job #2: Loading and Unloading the Dryer - When my toddler hears the buzzer on the dryer signaling the load is dry, she yells, "Clothes are done." She knows what we do next. She unloads all of the clothes into a basket and then puts in the wet clothes from the washer. I help by removing the clothes from the washer and putting them in a basket on the floor. She even empties the dryer vent which is very helpful since I forget this most of the time.

Toddler Job #3: Putting the silverware away from the dishwasher - We keep a stool in the kitchen and this way my toddler can reach the silverware drawer and see into it. I unload the knives and miscellaneous utensils and then place the basket on the counter. She knows exactly where the butter knives, spoons, forks, and straws go and has fun sorting them. I do not keep sharp knives in this drawer.

Toddler Job #4: Putting socks and underwear away - My toddler knows where her socks and underwear go and when they are clean, she puts them into her drawers.

Toddler Job #5: Folding Towels - I have my toddler help me fold the towels. She is learning to fold them in half but it will take a while before she can do this well. I figure the earlier I start teaching her this, the sooner I won't have to do it!

Toddler Job #6: Putting ice in the cups for dinner - This is a great job to include your toddler in the dinnertime process. My older one sets the table and my younger one fills the plastic cups with ice from the door dispenser. If you only have ice in a tray in the freezer, get it out and put it on the counter or a bowl and let your toddler fill the cups. I even let my two-year-old fill them with water from the door dispenser. Yes, she overfills them all the time, but she knows where the towel is and wipes it up.

Toddler Job #7: Dusting - I cannot stand dusting and it's probably because my Mom made me dust all the time. I disliked moving all of the knick-knacks and putting them back. So, I am carrying on the tradition and teaching my toddler to dust. I give her a damp rag and she wipes the furniture. I remove all breakables and then put them back when she's done. Yes, I do have to go over it to make sure the dust is gone, but after all, my two-year-old is still in training.

Toddler Job #8: Cleaning the windows - I squirt the window cleaner on the window and give my toddler a few paper towels to use. She loves to do this job! I remind her each time to keep wiping until all of the cleaner is gone and she does a great job. Be sure to have your little one wash their hands after cleaning the windows since they are using chemicals.

Toddler Job #9: Helping in the kitchen - Whenever I am getting ready to make something in the kitchen, my toddler runs in and asks to help. If I am baking or making a recipe that I know will be easy with her help, I welcome her. If I will be cutting, chopping, and using the stove, I usually get out the Play dough to keep my toddler occupied. Toddlers can pour, dump, and even mix the ingredients for you (of course with assistance!) They will have so much fun and don't be surprised when they announce to the rest of the family while eating that they made it! I love cooking with my daughter.

Toddler Job #10: Cleaning up toys - You should expect your toddler to help clean up their toys. Trust me when I say, I know it is easier to do it yourself, but they will not learn if you don't teach them. Keeping toys put away will be easier and more manageable if you have them organized. Everything should have a place. I have labeled storage bins and containers with words and pictures and this helps my toddler learn where toys belong. Don't expect them to clean up everything all by themselves, but help them step-by-step.