Toddlers are at a stage of development where they can actually be quite open to the idea and even excited with helping out around the house. Parents can take advantage of this by teaching their child some simple household chores that he or she could do.
Toddlers Like to Do What Adults Do
Toddlers are watching what their parents are doing and they will often try to imitate what they see, from holding a baby doll like a parent holds a baby to trying to put on mom’s and dad’s clothes and shoes and walk around. This is a wonderful time to encourage kids to help with cleaning. Whenever a parent is cleaning up or doing household chores, see if there is a way to include the toddler. For example, when putting groceries away, parents can get the child to help put light boxes and cans away into lower cupboards or shelves.
Show the Child Step by Step How to Do a Chore
Parents can let toddlers do simple chores, but they will need to show them step by step how to do it. They will also have to be patient and prepared to provide demonstrations and help a good many times. The idea is not to expect toddlers to do it well right away, rather the idea is to make them feel good and part of the household by doing chores with the family. Kids this age want to be more independent and do things on their own. When they are able to do a small chore, they will likely smile and say “I can do it!”
Make Chores Fun to Do for Toddlers
Another key aspect of getting young kids to help around the house with cleaning and chores is to make it a fun time. While the child is helping put away the groceries, chat with him or her about the food being put away. If a parent is husking corn or peeling oranges, let the child try to do it and if it is hard for the child, let him or her help out another way like putting the husks in the compost container.
Talk about how good the corn will taste at dinner and of course thank the child for helping out with the dinner-making process. As well, role model for the toddler that doing chores can be a social and enjoyable time by having a positive attitude about these duties. If a parent is having a good time with an activity, a child will naturally be more interested in it too.
Make Clean Up a Game for Young Kids
When doing chores, making it a game can be a great idea too. For example, if it is time to put laundry in the hamper, make it a throwing game. See how many pieces of dirty laundry can get thrown in to the laundry basket or hamper. Parents should do it themselves and laugh, clap and cheer when they get the clothes in the basket. Support the little ones for their attempts to get the items in the basket.
Toddlers are at stage of development where they will likely be interested in cleaning up. Show them step by step how to do a simple chore and make it a fun and social process. Parents need to be positive when doing their daily chores, and supportive and patient as toddlers learn how to master new tasks.
Also check out out How to Get Toddlers to Clean Up, What Can a Two-Year-Old Do?, Activities for Two-Year-Olds and How to Get Toddlers to Brush Their Teeth.
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Tami Nicholson - Tami is the Topic Editor for Parenting Methods at Suite101. She is a mother of two with a background in education and journalism.
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