Toddlers are often referred to as the teenager of the early years. Toddlers are quirky, unique, and often found living their best lives. Although toddlers live in a world of their own, parents are encouraged to introduce developmentally appropriate household chores to engage with their small child.
8 Tips for Introducing Household Chores to Toddlers
- Make sure to have a routine or schedule.
- For example, have your toddler help wipe the table before and after dinner.
- Talk through and explain what is going on.
- Make it fun! Cleaning does not have to be a punishment.
- Encourage your little one to work independently when possible.
- Always supervise! Keep your eye on them.
- Choose to start with chores of interest
- As an example, if your toddler likes to play with the bathroom tissue. Work with them and teach them how to replace an old tissue dispenser with a new one.
- Praise them for a job well done!
- Keep them safe from toxic chemicals and small parts.
Let’s explore some ways your toddler can help around the house.
- Throwing away pieces of trash around the house
- Helping fold laundry
- Watering the plants
- Replacing toilet paper with help
- Opening mail
- Loading the dishwasher
- Wiping up spills with paper towel
- Help make their beds
- Put clothes in washer and dryer
- Help feeding pets
- Help recycling
- Putting dirty clothes in laundry bin
- Help dust
- Match socks
- Help pick out clothing to wear
- Rinse the dishes
- Stack books
- Put toys away
- Put away outside toys
The Preschoolers Connect 