Perfect Chores for Your Toddler
Introducing Toddler Chores
Kiddos from an early age just have an eager and desire to help out. They want to be with you, doing what you are doing. With our girls, age 5 and 3, they don’t have assigned chores, but they are eager to help out with almost anything and everything that we are doing. For us, it wasn’t about checking off a chore chart or earning an allowance. It wasn’t about assigning chores. It was about them helping out and learning.
They were excited to help us out, and honestly, at times, it made the chores fun. Now sure, I would have to re-load the dishwasher, refold the clothes, find which drawers things were put in, but they are also learning these life skills and a sense of a work ethic as well. The only chore that was started out as a ‘have to’ was they put the toys away when they are done playing or at the end of the day, whichever came first. However, we still did that together, and made it fun.
Don’t go into this thinking my 3 year old has a chore chart and just slaving away at the house all day. She still gets plenty of play time, activity time, story time, etc. Go into this with an open mind of making things fun for them, about gaining their interest into these household chores that need to get done. Trust me, your kiddo wants to help when given the space and opportunity to do so.
The Importance of Chores in Early Childhood
In early childhood, introducing toddlers to chores can be much more than just a help around the house. It’s a crucial part of their development, sowing seeds for various life skills. By learning to contribute to household tasks, toddlers gain an understanding of responsibility and the idea that their actions are meaningful to their family unit. This early engagement in chores helps children to establish vital life habits, with parental guidance ensuring that these tasks are aligned with positive reinforcement.
Offer praise and feedback to acknowledge a good job done, which can encourage them for mastering something new, no matter how small. Additionally, it sets a foundation for teamwork and self-worth as they participate and complete tasks, which fosters a sense of achievement and contributes to their emotional and social development. Remember to recognize and encourage the child while the chore is in progress, as this instills motivation and the value of hard work.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, “Chores are routine but necessary tasks, such as washing the dishes or folding laundry. Research suggests there are benefits to including chores in a child’s routine as early as age 3. Children who do chores may exhibit higher self-esteem, be more responsible, and be better equipped to deal with frustration, adversity, and delayed gratification. These skills can lead to greater success in school, work, and relationships.”
Turning Chores into Fun and Engaging Activities
Transforming chores into exciting activities can be a game-changer for getting your little helpers on board. The key is to make these tasks less of a chore and more of a fun part of your toddler’s day. You could incorporate creative storytelling, where each task is part of a grand adventure, or turn tidy-up time into a race where they’re awarded playful titles like “Speedy Room Ranger.” Put on some peppy music and make it a dance party as they pick up toys. By turning household duties into playtime, not only will they be eager to participate, but they’ll also learn without even realizing it.
My oldest has to make everything a race. So everyday, it becomes a race who is going to get their toys picked up the fastest? Who is going to clear the plates and utensils from the table first? Turning things into a race is her thing. My youngest daughter on the other hand just wants to help with everything. I don’t have to initiate it. I am sure by the time she gets a year or two older, I will have to find what ticks for her to keep things fun.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Toddlers
Chores for 1 to 2-Year-Olds
At the tender age of 1 to 2 years, toddlers are curious explorers keen to mimic what you do. It’s the perfect time to introduce simple chores that build on the skills they’ve already started to develop. They can start with tasks like placing their soft toys back in a designated spot or throwing away small pieces of trash in a bin they can reach. You might also encourage them to help you wipe up spills, pick up crumbs, or hand you clothes while you fold laundry. Through these activities, they’ll enhance their motor skills and begin to understand the concept of helping out.
Starting at about 8-9 months of age, when kiddos tend to have a pretty good grip on things, our girls were carrying their own diapers to the garbage and throwing them away. Once they started walking, it was so fun for them to take other things to the garbage. Yes, sometimes we found things that shouldn’t be in the garbage, so keep an eye out there! This was great in the kitchen, as it would keep them busy as my husband and I were prepping or cooking.
Instead of toy vacuums, brooms, etc., we purchased a natural sweep carpet and floor sweeper (think of the vacuums you see at restaurants). Kiddos love playing with it, but also at the same time, they’re vacuuming! Certain areas of the living room were constantly getting cleaned. They knew it wasn’t a toy because when they would drop snack crumbs on the floor, they would get the sweeper and clean it up.
They would be so proud of themselves, yes, at 1-2 years of age. This is also a great age of running clothes to the hamper, putting away bath toys, taking silverware to the table. Another laundry chore I found the kiddos enjoyed was helping me put clothes from the washer into the dryer. The dryer door is the perfect height for them to throw the clothes in. This is fun to them because they can throw! Yep, sure, 1/2 of the clothes didn’t make it, but oh well, we just pick it up and try again.
Chores for 2 to 3-Year-Olds
As toddlers grow from 2 to 3 years old, they’re ready to tackle slightly more complex chores that build on their desire for independence. At this stage, they might enjoy fetching ingredients from low shelves to help with cooking, sorting laundry by colors, or using a pint-sized broom to sweep small areas.
These little helpers can also learn to hang up coats, line up shoes, and match socks during laundry–again, turning it into a playful learning game. Gradually, they can take on the responsibility of arranging their toys and even choosing and laying out their clothes for the next day. Not only do these chores help develop their cognitive skills, but they also foster a sense of accomplishment and self-reliance.
As I mentioned earlier with the sweepers and vacuums, my now 3 year old still loves to use the sweeper when I vacuum the house. My oldest (5 years) likes to help out if she can use the ‘real vacuum’ because she’s a ‘big kid’. But, at the same time she is teaching her younger sister how to use the stick vacuum. Also at this age, both our girls had step stools in the kitchen and were helping with the cooking, peel vegetables, stirring things, etc.
The best day ever was when I discovered how much they loved using the magic erasers and cleaning the baseboards. I dread cleaning them. However, they are perfect to help here. I would give them each an eraser, and they would run around the house wiping the boards. Of course, it also became a race who could get the longest board, who would finish a room first, etc.
Implementing a Chore Routine
Making Chores a Game
To successfully introduce a chores routine to your toddler, think like they do: everything can be playful, even tidying up! Create games where each completed task earns them a star or a point, and a certain number of points can be traded in for a desirable reward, like choosing their favorite story before bedtime. You can also time their tasks and encourage them to beat their “high score,” or set up a treasure hunt where putting away toys reveals clues. When you make chores a game, you help your child associate these necessary activities with fun rather than obligation.
Remembering that young kiddos have a natural desire to help, will also help you find ways to include them in everyday tasks that need to be completed. When I bring in laundry from the dryer, both the girls love when I dump the clothes on top of them. Then it becomes a race to see who can unbury themselves first.
Then I throw things, like hand towels and washcloths, that they can easily fold. Again, it becomes a game as to who can catch it first and fold it. They are having a blast, it makes folding the laundry a bit less daunting (though yes it takes longer), and they are helping you. However, to them, you are also playing with them.
When to Increase Responsibilities
Knowing when to ramp up your toddler’s chore list is as crucial as the chores themselves. Look for cues that they’re ready for more, like when they master their current tasks, show interest in chores you’re doing, or seek new challenges.
It’s essential to increase responsibilities gradually and in tune with their capabilities to encourage a sense of progress without overwhelming them. Also, consider refining chores to align with their growing skill set and ensure that the new tasks are within their physical abilities. As they mature, incrementally introduce chores that require more dexterity, concentration, and even problem-solving.
You can also think of the self-led weaning technique when introducing a child to solid foods. Let them lead the way with what they are in tune in doing. Sure, you will need a bit more patience here as they are learning how to do new things. No, they won’t do it perfectly. They will drop the egg on the kitchen floor straight from the fridge. The flour won’t make it to the mixing bowl. There will be spilled milk.
But it is ok! All of these things can be cleaned up. Don’t get frustrated with them. They are learning by doing. Let them help whenever they are interested in helping. Even by simply watching you, your kiddo is learning what they need to do in life. If there is something I am doing, that might not be safe for them to do, I simply tell them ‘watch and learn’. Kiddos are sponges and they learn so much by just watching.
The Benefits of Household Chores
Skill Development Through Chores
Chores are like a master class for toddlers in skill development. As small hands get busy, they’re also honing fine motor skills, learning to coordinate movements, and starting to understand the concept of cause and effect. For instance, watering plants introduces them to caregiving and the cycle of life, while sorting toys by color or size can pave the way for math skills. Each task encourages them to think critically, make decisions, and solve problems, all under the guise of everyday routines. Plus, these activities can help boost language skills as they learn and use new words relevant to the chores they’re undertaking.
My mother-in-law used to tell her children, ‘One day I won’t be here to do this for you.’ It’s not just about our time here on earth, it’s about the time when your kiddo has grown and is independent. I don’t know about you, but it is not in my retirement plan to become my children’s housekeeper.
They will need to learn to do the laundry, grocery shop, prepare food, vacuum, dust, empty the trash bins, recycling, etc. These are life long skills they will use the rest of their lives. Let’s not wait until they are 20 and then needing to learn from somebody else, or depend on somebody else, to do basic life functions.
Fostering Independence and Responsibility
Involving toddlers in household chores is a powerful way to foster independence and instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic from a young age. Not only do these tasks help them to see themselves as capable and valuable members of the family, they also teach accountability—as they learn that their contributions have a tangible impact on their environment.
By successfully completing assigned chores, they grow more confident in their abilities to do things on their own. This also offers the perfect opportunity to practice decision-making, as they navigate through choices within their chores, and it promotes self-discipline, laying the groundwork for a responsible attitude in the future.
How many times does your toddler say, “I want to do it myself!” I know I hear it multiple times a day. I love it when we are making cookies and we end up with 20 different shapes and sizes (it actually makes for good portion control!). Or when one side of the side table is a bit cleaner then the other. They learn from that!
Your toddler is part of the family unit, and they want to feel apart of the family as well. Being able to do what they see you do is a huge confidence boost for them. Sure, they need their play time, don’t get me wrong, but they also want to do things that help you and to spend time with you. Don’t take that from them.
Tips and Tricks for Success
Using Toddler-Friendly Tools
To ensure a safe and successful experience with chores, it’s essential to use tools that are designed for tiny hands. Opt for lightweight, non-toxic, and durable items such as mini brooms, plastic shovels for gardening, or cloth wipes instead of paper towels. These toddler-friendly tools will not only make them feel like they’re part of the action but will also minimize any risks that standard-sized tools might pose. Plus, when tasks feel more accessible, they’re likely to engage more willingly, enhancing both their enjoyment and the likelihood of a job well done.
We have really focused on allowing our girls to use real tools, not toys, when learning new things. Even by the age of 4, our oldest daughter had a chef’s knife designed for children (serrated blade, knuckle guard, and of course adult supervision!) As mentioned earlier, instead of the popcorn toy vacuum, they have always had the push vacuum sweeper, like the ones you see in a restaurant. Now that our oldest is almost 6, she is handling the normal stick cordless vacuum and a full size broom pretty good.
Most of the time, a real usable tool costs just about as much as a toy, however, it is functionable and your child will be able to actually help you and feel apart of the process. They feel so proud of them selves when they have the sense of ‘I did it!’
Positive Reinforcement and Rewards
Positive reinforcement is a powerful strategy to encourage your toddler to be consistent with chores. Recognize their efforts with smiles, clapping, or a cheerful “Great job!” to make them feel appreciated. You can also introduce a simple rewards system, such as a sticker chart, where they collect stickers for completed chores and exchange them for a small privilege or treat or introduce an allowance system.
However, it’s important to balance tangible rewards with intrinsic rewards, like the satisfaction of a job well done and the enjoyment of working together as a family. This helps to cultivate an internal motivation that will serve them well beyond the toddler years.
Another method of positive reinforcement is to not ‘fix things’ in front of them. If they are willing and wanting to help, let them help in their way. Now of course we want to teach them the ‘right way’ to do something, or to be efficient, or to not have a chore take twice as long for you, but we also need to be accepting of their skill level and that they are learning.
When our oldest chops vegetables, they are not all uniform in size and it’s fine. I’m not looking to get a Michelin star in my home kitchen. They all still cook and taste delicious. When the youngest is loading the dishwasher, I don’t stand by her and fix the loading.
If we are making tortillas, I don’t stress over the ones not in a perfect circle, or too big/too small. They all go into the pile, and are all cooked up the same as the ones I am making. They will learn as they go. They will learn the bigger cut vegetable takes longer to cook. They will learn a little tortilla won’t hold as much. But it’s ok! Part of rewarding is also not discouraging, but rather encouraging them and accepting their help as they are giving.
The Challenge of Consistency
Dealing with Resistance
When toddlers resist chores, it’s crucial to approach the situation with patience and understanding. Avoid power struggles by offering choices within the task. If they’re hesitant to start a chore, encourage them by stating the outcome positively, like the opportunity to play once the room is tidy. Sometimes a refusal may signal that a task is too complex or overwhelming, in which case, break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Remember to always uphold a no-shame, no-drama policy, focusing simply on the task and the choices available to them.
Remember we aren’t actually assigning them chores. We are encouraging them to want to help out. My youngest daughter’s top motivator is realizing if she wants to be with me at that moment, then this is what we are doing. Folding the clothes needs to be done now, then we can play what we want later. If she still says no, that’s ok. She understands it will take longer for mama or dada to get to her game, but she is free to go play by herself.
Keeping Parents Motivated
Even the most enthusiastic parents may find their motivation waning when faced with the challenges of integrating toddler chores into daily routine. To keep your spirits high, celebrate the small victories and recognize the long-term benefits you’re creating for your child. Stay flexible, remembering that some days will be more successful than others. Connect with other parents for support and share strategies that have worked for you. Remind yourself that teaching chores is about more than just the tasks—it’s about nurturing your toddler’s growth, independence, and confidence.
I was actually given a great reminder that I needed at school drop off this morning, “If you don’t have the bad days, then you won’t appreciate the good days.” This completely changed my outlook on the whole day. Your kiddo(s) are still learning, developing, growing, understanding, and navigating this very confusing world.
Beyond the Basics: Beyond Regular Chores
Seasonal Tasks for Little Helpers
Introducing seasonal chores can provide variety and teach toddlers about the changing world around them. In spring, they might enjoy helping to plant seeds or flowers, which fosters an appreciation for nature. Summer may involve watering the garden, picking the weeds, or picking up toys after outdoor play. In autumn, toddlers can help with collecting leaves. Winter might see them helping to decorate for the holidays or assisting with simple baking tasks. Tailoring chores to the season not only keeps their tasks fresh and engaging but also cultivates a connection to the rhythms of nature and seasonality.
Our girls absolutely love the things they get do mainly in summer and autumn. In the summer, after they have gone swimming at Auntie’s house, they love to go pick zucchini and tomatoes from her garden. It is so much fun for them, and it gives Auntie a day off from gardening.
I remember the first Autumn our oldest was about to turn 2. After we got over the meltdown that the tree was dying (it was just loosing the leaves, as it does every year), we showed her how we can rake the leaves into piles and then jump in them. We spent all afternoon raking, jumping, raking. It became almost a daily past time, we went a couple of weeks without actually picking them up. After the first couple of days, she had her own plastic, but real, rake and she would go outside and rake leaves.
Before our youngest daughter was even 1, our oldest was so excited at the site of the first falling leaf. She immediately asked for her rake, and with 5 little leaves, she made a ‘baby pile’ for her baby sister. Years later, the tradition continues.
Unique Chore Ideas to Keep Things Fresh
To maintain your toddler’s interest, it’s great to think outside the box and introduce unique chores that feel more like play than work. How about being a ‘toy doctor’ who fixes and organizes the toy shelf? Or a ‘little gardener’ who can care for a specific plant? Perhaps even a ‘sous chef’ who helps with washing fruits and vegetables.
These roles can encourage them to learn new skills and to understand the various ways they can contribute to their family. Getting creative with chore titles can add a novel twist to routine tasks and keep your little one engaged and eager to help.
Sometimes when I am cleaning the house, we all know how many tasks that involves, some days my daughter will say “I want to help. What can I do?” Other days she will specify clearly, “I only want to vacuum today”. However she wants to help is the help that I accept and let her flourish through it.
Remembering that this isn’t about getting a star on a chore chart, or making child labor out of it. This mindset is about letting them feel a part of contributing to the family. It’s about them learning things they need to do in life. It’s about building their confidence that they can do things. It’s about just spending time with you!
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