My 22-month-old son, Ethan, is always eager to lend a hand. Whenever I start sweeping the floor, he races over, declaring, “I help!” And don’t even get me started on unloading the dishwasher. The moment he sees the door open, he zooms to grab his cups, matching their lids and placing them on the counter. Then, with a cheerful “Here you go!” he hands me each utensil, one by one.
It’s truly impressive. Not only does he know where everything belongs, but he genuinely enjoys assisting. His eagerness extends to cleaning up spills or picking up toys. This behavior leaves my partner and me wondering, “How did we get so lucky?”
While I understand that toddlers mimic their parents, I’ve noticed that my older child, Mia, wasn’t as keen to help at that age. Getting her to assist with simple tasks, like finding her shoes, often involves a bit of coaxing.
Nonetheless, Ethan thrives on being involved. To nurture his enthusiasm and instill a sense of responsibility, we’ve come up with simple, age-appropriate tasks. Plus, if this makes chores easier for him as he grows, that’s a bonus!
Here are five enjoyable ways your toddler can contribute around the house:
- Be “Mommy’s Special Assistant.” Ethan loves moving wet clothes from the washer to the dryer and pushing the buttons to start it. Sometimes I pretend that I couldn’t do it without him (even if I truly could!).
- Give Them Responsibility for Their Belongings. Encourage them to put away their books, toys, and crayons when playtime is over. This teaches them to take care of their possessions.
- Foster Independence and Celebrate Success. If a mess occurs, hand them a towel to clean it instead of doing it for them. Initially, show them how, but then let them try. Be sure to praise their efforts afterward!
- Make It a Game! Let your toddler assist with unpacking groceries. Not only do they feel helpful, but they also get a sneak peek of the treats you brought home. You can even turn it into a guessing game about the different foods!
- Involve Them in Pet Care. My son enjoys helping with our cat, especially when it comes to filling her water bowl. I try not to wince as he spills a bit, but I appreciate his efforts and enthusiasm.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out this article on Modern Family Blog that discusses engaging activities for families. And if you’re considering home insemination, be sure to visit Make A Mom—they’re the leading provider of at-home insemination kits! Also, for those curious about what to expect during your first IUI, Parents.com offers an excellent resource.
Summary
Encouraging your toddler to help around the house can be both fun and beneficial. By assigning them small tasks, you foster a sense of pride and responsibility. Activities like helping with laundry, putting away toys, or assisting with groceries can make chores feel like play. Plus, involving them in pet care adds another layer of responsibility.
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