10 Chore Ideas for Toddlers
By
Editorial Staff in
Life Style
On 28th November 2014
Once your child reaches preschool age, it may be a good time to start implementing some chores to teach them about responsibility. These can be simple things around the house, maybe something that they already do, or something that you would like for them to do. Rewards for doing chores can be a number of things, and you can tailor your reward specifically to your child’s interests. Say if they have a piggy bank, you can add to it. Stickers and coloring books make for great rewards, too. Or perhaps some electronic device time on the family iPad for good behavior.
Here’s a list of 10 little toddler-do’s to get your busy child involved…
#1 Have your child help you to set the table prior to a meal
Setting the table is something that has to be done before any meal, and with practice they can learn to do it just right all by themselves. Remember, fork on the left!
#2 Let your child make their bed every morning
Most children by this age are fully aware what it means to "make their bed" and instead of Mommy/Daddy doing it for them repeatedly, teach them how to do it so the task can become theirs. Now let's see if they can get those corners just as tight!
#3 Have your child clean up their room/playroom
No matter if you have a boy or girl at home, all kids secretly enjoy making their room a mess save yourself some stress and have them help you clean up. Eventually they can catch on and have the ability to do it all by themselves, remembering which toys/books/puzzles go where.
#4 Sometimes siblings need a little motivation to play “nice-nice”
As a mother to two girls only 14 months apart, there can be some ear-piercing shrills heard from time to time. Instruct your child/children to play "nice" and if they act accordingly with no fighting for the whole week, then perhaps there can be some incentive for them listening to your instructions. We all know that kids can disagree, especially siblings, so this might be a good way to curb those bad habits and teach them a lesson in loving one other.
#5 Teach your child about doing laundry
For my kids, I have a partitioned laundry basket in their room and have instructed them which side is which. Every time I go into the laundry room with their basket, I have them load the clothes and when everything is ready, they get to push the start button. Once the laundry is finished we go to their room and I have them put everything away. It works like a charm, every time!
#6 Have your child help with the family pet
This is a great one, and one surefire way to teach them a little responsibility to look after something. Whatever your family pet may be, have your child remind/tell you if their food or water bowl runs dry, let them in or out of the house (to the backyard) if needed, and assist you if it's time to give your four-legged friend a bath
#7 Helping carry the groceries from the car after an outing from the store
Having your child help you carry grocery/shopping bags in from the store is less work for you and a fun way to teach them how to help out Mommy/Daddy. Just don't start with a carton of eggs, or things could get a bit messy if they take a tumble!
#8 Have your child help out with the dishes after a meal
Although carrying the dishes from the table might prove a bit risky, allow them to help you load them into the dishwasher by teaching them which ones go in what section. In no time they'll remember on their own.
#9 Have your child help you water the garden/plants
My children love doing this, and you can find watering cans for only a few dollars at your local hardware store. This way you can teach them the simple rule that all plants love water!
#10 Have them help you with your own house chores
Not all of us can afford the luxury of a maid, so have your kids help you out when it's time to play Cinderella. A lot of kids learn from "monkey see, monkey do" so this is a terrific way to incorporate them in your routine. Dusting is a great way to start, and not so messy, and you can't help but smile watching your kids mimic your routine.
