How to Introduce Household Chores to Your Toddler
If you have toddlers at home, it is likely that you will often find your house in total disarray several times a day. While it would be tempting to clean all the mess yourself, it would be a better idea to get your toddlers involved. Fortunately, there is no shortage of chores for toddlers that you can look into.
Surprisingly, toddlers are already capable of helping with family chores. Giving them an opportunity to help can also help develop their sense of personal responsibility and their ability to take better care of themselves when they turn into adults. The good news is motivating kids to help with the household chores has never been easier nowadays.
For starters, we now have great financial tools made especially for children, like debit cards for kids. Amazingly, these tools are used to pay children who help with the chores at home. Most of these financial tools can also be linked to mobile phones to make tracking easier and more convenient for parents.
Household Chores Your Toddlers Can Do
If you want your children to help with the household chores without being asked, it is crucial that you teach them how to help with the household chores while they are still toddlers. Below are some of the chores that are appropriate for your toddlers:
Put Books and Toys Away
Get your toddlers in the habit of cleaning up after their playtime. Encourage them to put things back by assigning a place for their playthings. For instance, books should go on the bookshelves and their toys in toy baskets or shelves.
To make cleanup time fun, you can encourage them to sing songs or play games. For instance, you can try matching games where they place blocks in one bin and toy cars and dolls in another.
Assist with the Laundry
Help strengthen your toddler's hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills by assigning them to put their dirty clothes in the hamper. You can also ask them to do other light tasks like folding washcloths and socks. While you are at it, you can also teach them about patterns and colors by pointing them out.
Look After a Pet
Looking after a pet can help teach your toddlers about respect and kindness for other living creatures. For starters, you can help them fill the water and food bowls (but make sure you do the measuring yourself). You can also ask them to help put new straw in the bunny's cage or scrub the dog's fur during bath time.
Clean Up Messes
If you want a chore your toddlers can enjoy, ask them to slip a sock on their hand and encourage them to slide it over any dirty surface. It would also be great to use mini versions of cleaning tools (i.e., a small vacuum or a small brush and dustpan). However, you must ensure they don't use any harsh cleaning products.
Help with the Groceries
Carrying light and non-breakable items is another task toddlers can easily help you with. For starters, have them carry small fruits and vegetables. You can also give away one of the fruits they carry as a treat. It would also be a great idea to ask them to help you pick out items at the grocery store.
Make the Bed
While this task will take kids a few years to master, toddlers will surely enjoy helping you make their bed. Patiently work with them and teach them how to arrange the bed covers and the blankets. You can also have them fluff the pillows. Don't expect them to do things perfectly. The idea is to let them know you value and appreciate their efforts.
Final Thoughts
Everyone wants to feel they are needed and making a contribution and children are no exception. Allowing them to help with the chores is a great and fun way for them to contribute to the family and feel appreciated.
About the Author:
Samantha Green is the Content Marketing Strategist for the MCA award-winning app, BusyKid, the first and only chore and allowance platform where kids can earn, save, share, spend, and invest their allowance. A mom of two, she enjoys spending time with her kids and reading books to them.