Simple Chores for Your Toddlers

PamIam
Children from a very young age benefit from chores. There are even chores that toddlers can do. It may seem like a funny idea for a toddler to have chores, but toddlers love to help out. Chores build confidence and practical skills. Chores should be part of a toddler's daily routine. You may be wondering, what chores chores could my toddler possibly do. Toddlers will not be able to do many chores independently at this age, but these little people can be a big help.

Toddlers love to help with laundry. Toddlers can help drop clothes in to the washing machine. They can push washed clothes into the dryer as you hand the clothes to them. Toddlers can unload the dryer, and pile clean clothes into a laundry basket or other designated spot. Items that do not need to remain carefully folded, such as socks, can be put in to an open drawer by a toddler.

Give your toddler a cloth to dry dust furniture. An old, clean sock can be slipped over their hand can be used instead. A old fashioned feather duster is even more fun. Toddlers can be given a damp cloth to wipe off the kitchen table or other counters. They can be given a squirt bottle with vinegar and water to spray the table before wiping it off.

Toddlers can clean up their toys. Providing a toy box or other big container will make this job easy. Toddlers who help clean up their toys will learn where they belong and soon will need no help with this task. Toddlers can help make their beds by placing their pillow, blanket, and animal friend on their bed.

Self-care can be part of a toddler's daily chores. A toddler can brush their own teeth after mom's had a turn at it. A toddler can be taught how to wash their hands and face at the sink. A toddler can take their own diaper to the trash can. A toddler can help comb their own hair. Toddlers can help dress themselves, and place their dirty clothes in to a laundry hamper.

Remember to keep your expectations realistic. Chores will not be done perfectly, and you will need to help your toddler. Safety should always be your number one concern. Never let a young child use any type of potentially harmful chemicals to clean. Your toddler will have a great sense of belonging when they help with chores, and that is worth a bit of extra work on the parents part. This will be a habit you will be glad you started early.

Published by PamIam

I am a young, Christian SAHM spending most of my day chasing after three little girls and one boy sneaking in time for writing, knitting, and other personal endeavors here and there.   View profile

6 Comments

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  • PamIam 12/28/2007

    Thanks, Kelly.

  • Kelly Herdrich 12/28/2007

    Pam, I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed this piece and decided to include it in my lens at:
    http://www.squidoo.com/parenting_advice Hope you don't mind!

  • BuntingResources.com 12/10/2007

    Great piece!

  • Agnes Farside 11/23/2007

    Great article..kids love to feel needed.

  • Nikki 10/18/2007

    Good article. I think it's important for kids to have chores and it's never to late to start training them :-)

  • Kelly H. 10/6/2007

    Great information! I know that my daughter does a great job "helping" around the house!

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